Telegraphic News.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 386, 5 July 1879, Page 15

Telegraphic News.

Auckland, June 27. Mr. Heslop, secretary to the Auckland Labor League, has received the following letter from the Labor Council of New South Wales:—“Sydney, May 22nd, 1379. Sir, — The above council are taking steps for tho purpose of holding an Intercolonial Trades’ Union Congress in Sydney while the International Exhibition is open here, as it is believed that amongst the visitors there will be a goodly number of members of trade societies present, which would, to a certain extent, facilitate the enterprise. I shall in a few days be enabled to forward two official invitations, and I seek your co-operation to render the projected congress a success. My object- in writing to you upon this occasion is to obtain from you any address or addresses of Trade Societies in Auckland, or New Zealand, which you may have in your possession, if you would kindly furnish me with tham, so that I can communicate with them. I enclose a copy of the proposed programme, which must not at present be considered final or unalterable. Trusting to hear from you soon, I have, &c., W. M. Royance, secretary Trades and Labor Council, N.S. W., Hyde Park Hotel, Bathursfcstreet, Sydney, N.S.W.” The following are the subjects proposed by the council for discussion at the congress, viz. :—lmmigration, both Asiatic and otherwise ; the eight hours’ system, its extension and consolidation ; legislation on trades’ unions ; encouragement to native industries ; the laws affecting the mercantile marine ; the propriety of holding an annual intercolonial trades’ union congress ; factory and workshops regulation law ; cooperation ; and education. It is proposed that each society should be represented by one or two members, and trades and, labor councils by two delegates, and that each council pay its own delegate or delegates’ expenses. The Rowena brought up to town this morning a man named James McGrath, who was seriously injured at Wangarei on Saturday last while engaged felling timber. He was assisting Mr. Hawkins to cut down a large tree on land belonging to that gentleman, and in its descent some of the branches struck him on the legs with great force, breaking one of his limbs in one place, and the other in two places. Mr. Hawkins aver 3 that he warned the man to stand clear just before the tree swung over and fell, and that the poor fellow responded with a hearty “ All right.” The citizens’ ball last night was attended by over 300 persons. The Governor led off with the Mayoress. The officers of the German warship Albatross were present. The Governor, accompanied by Captain St. John (aide-de-camp) and Mayor T. Peacock, paid a visit to the hospital. JTi3 Excellency was shown through the wards by Dr. Philson,

and expressed much satisfaction with the perfection of the arrangements. The Governor, accompanied by his aide-de-camp and the Mayor, visited tho Wellesley-street school this morning, and on leaving his Excellency asked that tho pupils might be allowed a half-holiday in honor of his visit. Hia Excellency afterwards visited the Western Springs, and inspected with apparent interest the pumping machinery. Tie also inspected the reservoir at Ponsonby. { June 23.

The Pretty Jane, from Grahamstown, reports the brig Wave, from Oarnaru, and the Waiwera, from Lyttelton, to have taken shelter in Hicks Bay, off Kaikoura. The latter vessel encountered a heavy S.E. galo. The seas breaking over tho vessel, the crew were compelled to take to the rigging. The secretary to the Aratapu Saw Mills Company writes, stating that the schooner Maud Graham did not leave Lyttelton for Auckland, but proceeded to Kaipara, and is now ori her way back with a cargo of timber. A man named Jamee McGrath was working in Hawke’s Bush, Wangare:, when a tree fell on him, breaking both legs, the fracture in the case of ono being compound. Sidney D. Taiwhanga, a Maori, was charged with assaulting Sarah, his European wife, by striking her with his clenched fist. Mr. Dufaur, the solicitor for the defendant, said tho woman made the first attack upon her husband by kicking him in Queen-street. The parties were about to sign a deed of separation. A constable proved that the woman was addicted to drink, and the Bench dismissed the case. June 30. The Union Sash and Door Company have got down 4000 more logs, making 11,000 at the booms. Mr. Hamlin and Mr. Hobbs have received votes of confidence at Mauku and Wairoa South. At the former place unanimous votes of sympathy were passed with the Taranaki settlers in their present position, and requesting Messrs. Hobbs and Hamlin to use their influence in Parliament for their relief.

At the Police Court to-day a man, formerly a seaman on board a steamer trading on the coast, was charged with stealing an unclaimed dress left on board. The prosecution being unable to prove that the dress was left for carriage, the case broke down.

Twenty-five Constabulary are to be sent from 'Waikato to Taranaki. This will not reduce the strength ef the Constabulary in the Waikato district, as Colonel Lyon is rapidly recruiting men. It is believed from the number of recruits who continue to come forward, the Government will be in a position to supply further reinforcements as occasion requires. The Ereemasons of Auckland have started a project for building a Masonic Hall, to cost £7OO.

Lucy Drumgool, a respectable young girl of 20, was charged on Saturday at the Police Court, with forging a telegraph order for £4 10s. She was remanded till Tuesday, bail being allowed. Volunteer H. Bowden, one of the best Auckland marksmen, leaves for Tasmania next week. He was the winner of Captain Clark’s champion belt in 1878, and is the possessor of many local trophies. He represented Auckland at the colonial prize-firing at Napier in 1876, and more recently at Nelson in 1879. The Waiwera, schooner, arrived on Saturday, eighteen days from Timaru. She experienced fearful gales, all her sails were torn and carried away. During one gale the sea made a clean breach over the vessel from stem to stern. The crew clung to the rigging for two hours, and barely escaped with their lives. July 1.

Intelligence with regard to the operations at the Tatipo wreck states that during the recent gale Mr. Gouk was compelled to lower the vessel, owing to the danger of the vessel bumping a hole through her bottom on the blocks. Another attempt was made yesterday, when she was lifted a distance of two feet. It was anticipated that the vessel would be floated to-day, when a final lift was to be made, and if successful Gouk will get canvas on and pump her out. She will then bo towed on to Auckland.

Mr. Roskruge, sheep inspector at Tauranga, has been promoted to the Dunstan division of the Otago sheep district, and will reside at Clyde, in place of Inspector McNeill Campbell, wlio has been removed to Gisborne, in Poverty Bay, a sub-division of tho Auckland sheep district, in the room of Inspector Meldrum, the latter gentleman retiring in consequence of failing health. At the Harbor Board meeting to-day, a letter from the agents of the Union Company was received, stating that additional boats would be laid on during the summer, and asking for further accommodation for storage. The secretary read a report of the committee’s discussion on the question of an a.mendrnent in the constitution of the Boat'd, add also the report of the adjourned meeting, at which the following recommendations were adopted : Ist. That all elections should be conducted under the Local Elections Act, IS 76. 2nd. That the roll of persons entitled to vote should be made up to the end of January in each year. 3rd. That the number of members to be elected to the Board should be nine—eight to "be elected, and the chairman for the time being of the Chamber of Commerce. 4th. That a committee further report as to the qualifications of constituencies.

Sixty men have been enrolled in the Volunteer Light Infantry Corps at Hamilton, Waikato, and Captain Dawson, of the 67th Regiment, has been appointed to the command. The Hinemoa, with the Governor and Colonel Whitmore, goes South to-morrow. At the Police Court yesterday'John Drake was sentenced to six weeks’ imprisonment for borrowing money on the security of a Crown grant entrusted to him for safe keeping. The prisoner is a very old settler. The news by the Meg Merrilees, from Levuka, is unimportant. She reports that all the

coolies by ship Leonidas, from Calcutta, were landed on the island of Dampier, where they had to undergo quarantine. Barracks already have been erected and every precaution taken to prevent the spread of small-pox. Public opinion is much excited over the Ministerial rupture, but only Mr. Ballance’s side of the question appears in the morning journal.

An M.A. degree will be conferred on St. Clair Tisdale in the Choral Hall by Judge Gillies on Thursday. The coremony is expected to be very imposing. Stewart, Gsvernment Engineer, proceeds to Waikato in a few days to erect a house at Government expense for Rewi at Kihikilii. July 2. During yesterday several prominent spiritualists waited on Thorne, of the Illusionists, and challenged him to a private seanee, in order to perform Slade’s slate writing. Thorne referred them to his agent, stating that he would give private seances at one guinea per five minutes for each person present. Captain Ninnis, a very old settler, died yesterday. His children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren number about ninety. The Auckland exhibits for the Sydney Exhibition will go per Hero. A scene occurred at the Illusionists’ performance last night, at which the Governor was present. A stalwart mariner offered to tie Chevalier Thorne, who consented. The captain mounted the stage and bound Thorne, who frequently complained of rough usage. The captain having finished, sat down on the stage and contemplated the work with evident satisfaction, exclaiming, “ I think she’s ship-shape now.” Thorne begged the patience of tbe audience, and then struggled, twisted, and writhed for nearly half an hour, some of the audience laughing, others crying “ shame.” At length, however, he extricated himself, looking very red and exhausted, his wrists being much cut. An altercation then took place between Weightman and the captain, nearly resulting in a fight. The whole scene was very .scandalous. The Illusionists then abruptly closed the performance.

The contractors for raising the Taupo finally abandoned tbe wreck to-day. All preparations for commencing were made, when a heavy sea coming in with the tide, carried away a portion of the gear, rendering all work utterly useless. The contractors have been most unfortunate in the weather, this being the third time the sea has damaged all the gear. The Governor’s departure, with Lady Robinson and Colonel Whitmore to-day, was without ceremony, very few citizens seeing them off. The Governor expressed pleasure at his visit. Seventy able-bodied men have offered to join the Constabulary at Cambridge, Waikato, to-day, and thirty were accepted. At the Supreme Court to-day, a widow claimed for accounts in business in which her husband was a partner before his death, and of payment of her share. Judge Gillies held that, as there were no special terms in the partnership deed for a continuance of the partnership, on the death of one partner it was dissolved by death.

Coromandel, June 27. The Thames Advertiser says that the clerk of the Resident Magistrate’s Court is to be removed to another district. The returning officer, Mr. Galland, is to occupy the position. The New Zealand Kapanga Company has stopped pumping. This will have the effect of stopping mining operations in the adjoining mines. Masterton, July 3. The Masterton Horticultural and Industrial Committee have fixed the shows for the 26tli November and 26th February. A ploughing match is arranged to come off shortly at Masterton. Yesterday Mager and J. C. Macandrew were sentenced to a month, and a man named Adshed to six weeks’ imprisonment, for larceny from Caselberg’s shop. Napier, June 27. Yesterday four candidates were nominated for election for the East Coast Electoral District for the seat left vacant by the death of the late chief Karaitiaua Talcamoana. The candidates were :—Henare Matua, Henare Tomoana, Henare Pukuotua, and Hans Tapsell. The show of hands was in favor of Henare Tomoana. A poll was demanded by Matua. Wanganui, July 3. The native ploughman, who is imprisoned in tho Wanganui gaol for theft at Haivera, is starving himself. He has taken no food since Friday. Tho doctor pumped some food into him to-day. In view of native matters, another Yolunteer company has been started bore. Plawsra, July 3. •ggMr. Bryce, M.H.R., addressed his constituents last night, and received a vote of confidence. He speech was a general and particular condemnation of the Ministry. All he could say in their favor was that they had vigorously prosecuted public works, this district being an example thereof, and they refrained from an endeavor to restore Provincialism. He reviewed their policy under four heads, viz., Retrenchment, Electoral Reform, Change in the Incidence of Taxation, and Native Affairs, and condemned in unmeasured terms their conduct respecting every one of them. He thought the financial prospects of the country were very gloomy. He deplored the fact that depression had set in even before the loan expenditure had ceased. Speaking of the late Cabinet rupture he defended Mr. Ballance, saying that under the circumstances resignation was the only course open to him. New Plymouth, June 30. Major Atkinson has written to his constituents, through the Press, stating that he does not deem it advisable to address them upon the general pelicy and administration of the Government at the present time, hut trusts

that as Parliament meets m a few days, tlio House will take effectual and speedy steps to remedy the great evils under which tho Taranaki district has been suffering for some tiino past. There is considerable excitement here at the reported ejection of Captain John Kelly, of Manutahi. Blenheim, July 3. The football match, Nelson College Boys v. Blenheim, resulted in a drawn game. Had they scored points, Nelson would have Avon by half a point.

Nelson, June 2S. In the District Court to-day, Judge Broad decided that under the Debtors and Creditors Act of 1576 it Avas only necessary for a deed of arrangement to bo signed by the debtor when filed ; none of the creditors need sign it, but they would all be bound by what Avas done in the meeting. If a sufficient majority in number and value chose then to pass a resolution assenting to the deed, tho Court Avould, upon proper proof, declare the deed completely executed, and by the 14.3 rd section all creditors would bo then bound by the deed, whether they approved it or not.

July 1. At a meeting of tho Nelson members of the New Zealand Rifle Association, Major Pitt Avas appointed their representative in the Council. Resolutions were passed recommending that the headquarters should be at the place Avhere the firing takes place, and that the range committee be composed of non-com-petitors.

Westport, June 30. The steamer Wanganui put back yesterday afternoon and reported a boat bottom upwards, with two men clinging to her. Capt. Bayldon, stated the boat was so near shore that she would be probably thrown upon the beach immediately. In any case there was too much sea for him to haAm offered assistance. Search parties proceeded to the sjiot indicated, while the harbor boat went out, and kept along outside the breakers. The boat wag found bottom upwards and anchored, the anchor having dropped and caught hold when the boat capsized. No traces of the men could be seen, but the oars, fishing-lines, &c., Avere Avashed ashore. The bodies came ashore about 10 o’clock. The deceased men have both large families. One, Mr, Daniel McLean, wag the proprietor of the Avharf for many years. He possessed a ventursome spirit, being an explorer, and was in the habit of going out seafishing in a small boat. The other, named Flutey, Avas a half-caste native of Canterbury. Hokitika, June 30. The Mayor has presented a purse of sovereigns to the Maoris who Avere instrumental in saving life at the late/ coach accident at Arahura when the late Mr. Pitt Avas drowned. July 2. A largely attended public meeting was held in the Toavu ITall last night, to take steps to form a Prospecting Association, the Mayor in the chair. It Avas unanimously resolved—• “ That this meeting form an association to thoroughly prospect the country south of Hokitika.” The meeting then adjourned till Tuesday next. Christchurch, Juno 27. With respect to the £IOO,OOO belonging to the Canterbury local bodies, Avhich the Government illegally detained last year, the Colonial Treasurer promised .a deputation in Christchurch that the amount should be paid in May. It was not, liOAvever, paid, and in a letter of June 11th the Secretary to the Treasury says that the Government are about to propose a new loan to Parliament- for the colonv, and it has been decided to include this £IOO,OOO in the schedule to the Bill. Payment to the counties and road boards concerned will therefore be made as soon as the loan is received, provided that the sanction of Parliament and the necessary funds can be obtained.

At a meeting of the Charitable Aid Board it Avas resolved to form a benevolent society, and a committee Avas appointed to draw up a report on the basis upon which it should bo founded. It was suggested by Mr. Thompson, chairman of the society, that the society might in time take over the control of the entire charitable aid of Christchurch, and this vieAV met with support from the Rev. Mr. Watson and others, but was not generally concurred in. A resolution was passed,—“ That it is desirable that a general scheme for charitable institutions throughout the colony should be established.” The committee meet again on Monday. An inquiry was held to-day before tbe Collector of Customs into the loss of the barque Bells, which occurred during the gale ori Saturday night. From the evidence it appears that the wreck was attributed to a heavy Avesterly ground savoll, Avhich caused the barque to break from her moorings, and hence the disaster. No blame was attached to cho master of the A r essel. Tbe movement for the establishment of a central labor agency, which was promoted by some of the unemployed, has fallen through. A public meeting, held to-night, passed a resolution that it is not advisable to establish, a labor agency, unless it is done in connection with a working men’s union. At the monthly inspection of the Volunteers to-night, there Avas a large attendance, notwithstanding the wet weather. A resolution was passed, requesting the Government to vest the drill-shed and grounds in the Volunteers of Christchurch, and to rebuild tbe orderly room Avhich Avas lately burnt down. June 28. Some very good pictures by local artists are now on view, prior to the Sydney Exhibition. Three neglected children arrived by the Ha we a from Napier, Avhene * tngv were committed to tho Burnham industrial School. .June 30. A committee app anted at the meeting r e charitable aid last week met last evening fo j-

the purpose of drawing tip a report on the subject of foimiug a benevolent society for Christchurch. This was only a preliminary step, as information from other sources will have to be obtained before the final report is drawn up. The shipwrecked crew of the barque B. L., cast ashore on the coast are now staying in Christchurch. They leave again to-morrow for New Brighton. It is thought a good part of the cargo may be saved. A man ’ named Paul Clifford was smothered to-day, while working as a diver at the wreck of the barque Beds. He had ,ou a diving apparatus with air tube, but when released a very small quantity of air was found in the helmet, and the man was quite dead although he had only been down a little over ten minutes. An inquest will be held to-morrow. The registrar’s returns fo>’ Christchurch and district during June are as follows :—Births. 167 ; marriages, 29 ; deaths, 39. For the half year the returns are—Births, 1023 ; deaths, 443 ; marriages, 213. A man named Dill"n was arrrested at Amberley for obtaining £'. “5 from Royse, Stead, and Co., by fraudulent representations. Hr. Foster, a leading Christchurch lawyer, was to-day lined 10s. for getting on the train while in motion.

Another batch of parents were summoned by the Kaiapoi School Committee for not sending their children to school. In four out of eight cases the magistrate made orders for the children's attendance. The action of the committee is said to cause considerable excitement.

On the young man, named Bamford, who was killed in his tent by a landslip at Pigeon Bay, a verdict of “Accidental death” was recorded.

A firo commenced in Walsh’s grocery in High-street this evening, but was extinguished /quickly. It was caused by the gas jet setting the cei'iing paper on fire. Estimated damage, £l2.

A public meeting was held at Sydenham last evening to consider a resolution that was proposed that the Borough Council continue its efforts to get for the district a fair representation in Parliament. Several speakers spoke strongly in urging the claims of Sydenham to be represented by a member of Parliament. The motion was unanimously carried. Julv 1.

At a special meeting of the Board of Governors of the Canterbury College, to he held on Monday next, a resolution will be moved that the Board, before sending for masters of the Boys’ High School, should define the course of instruction to be pursued, and especially resolve upon the division of the upper portion of the school into two sections—one giviug prominence to ancient classics, and the other to modern language, mathematics, and science. "Edward Hillon was charged at the Resident Magistrate's Court with obtaining an order for the payment from Royse, Stead, and Co. for £75 by false pretences. On a second count he was charged with obtaining an order for the payment of £4O, and a threshing machine which he obtained on the faith of his farm being freehold. Since his bankruptcy, however, the farm had appeared in the name of bis brother. The case was remanded to the 4th.

An inquest was held upon the body of James Clifford to-day. Deceased lost his life while diving on Monday at the stranded barque Bells. The post-mortem examination showed that death resulted from a rupture of a bloodvessel in the lungs, and a verdict of “ accidental death ” was returned.

The N.Z. Shipping Company have received a message, dated June 28, advising of the arrival of the Stad Haarlem at Gravesend.

The youths who poured kerosene over a duck and set fire to it at Rangiora were fined £4 and £2 respectively. The Magistrate was unwilling to send them to gaol, this being their first offence, but regretted that be could not order them a whipping. The Diocesan Synod met this afternoon, the Synod having adjourned its special sitting from May 31st. In reference to a Bill dealing with a Church Trust during the recess the Bill was amended in form by the solicitors, and brought up for reconsideration, the object being to pass it through the Legislature. The Synod to-day postponed the further consideration of the matter till to-morrow. July 2. The Diocesan Synod met to-day, and resumed the consideration of a Bill referring to church property trusts, which is to be sent to the General Assembly. A man named William Taylor, who left the hospital on a pass to-day, died immediately he arrived homo. It is supposed he was suffering from heart disease. He was being treated at the hospital for an ulcerated leg. The floods have destroyed a large portion of the Malvern water race, and considerable damage has been done to the Malvern branch railway, which is in course of construction by private contract.

The material for the Christchurch steam tramway is now nearly due, and the company have received advice of the carriages having left New York. The tramway will be commenced in about two months from date.

July 3. The criminal calendar of the Supreme Court commences on Monday next. The following cases will be tried :—Edward Ashwio, Frank Lewis, and George Hamilton, for arson ; David "Wright, for forgery and uttering ; Louis Moat, stealing from a dwelling ; O. W. Greenwood, embezzlement ; Jacob Vogt, forgery and uttering ; James Harding, larceny from a dwellinghouse ; Stephen Walsh, on a similar charge : Montague Dodd, larceny by a clerk ; Thomas Maddox, fraudulent bankruptcy ; and James Dale, false pretences. Edward Barnes, surveyor to the Springton Road Board, was thrown from his horse on Monday, and died of the injuries which he received on Wednesday night. The street tramways will be commenced in about two months. The centre station will be finished in a few weeks.

At the Harbor Board meeting to-day the Captain of the Hotspur, which collided with the Rialto, bad his certificate suspended for

three months without pay ; aud the chief mate was suspended for one month without pay, for having written a letter to the papers reflecting strongly upon the character of the captain whilst the case was under consideration. The benefit on behalf of the family of the late Walter Hill promises to be a great success. At a meeting of the managing committee to-day it was decided to give two nights’ performance on the 20th and 21st instants, at the Odd Fellows Hall. It is intended to confine the performance strictly to amateurs, and gigantic programmes are in preparation. The Odd Fellows’ give the hall free for the two nights. “ Sinbad,” iu the Weekly Press, says : —“So the long-expected Lone-Hand is corning after all. I hear or.i very good authority that he was to leave Victoria on Wednesday last, anti as his name appears among the Timaru nominations, the report is probably correct.” \ Timaru, June 27. A fearful accident occurred this afternoon to a man named Richard Bartlett, who was engaged excavating at an embankment near Shen’s brick yards, when several tons fell, completely burying him. When dug out his heart and bowels were protruding. His ribs, hands, and feet were very much broken. He leaves a wife aud large family. E. Mills, the contractor for the supply of pipes for the Timaru waterworks, is here on business connected with his contract. The waterpipes have arrived by the Renfrew Castle, but the Borough Council have not the wherewithal to pay for them. Perhaps this is the reason why shrewd Councillors resigned lately, and no Councillors can be found to fill their places. Mr. Mills is likely to have some difficulty to get his money for the pipes, as there is not sixpence wherewith to pay bis claim, amounting to £40,000, the loan not being floated on account of the debentures being informal. June 30. Very severe weather has prevailed here during the last two days. Temuka and other places are flooded, and boats have been despatched to rescue the inhabitants. Four persons are reported to be drowned. A seaman on the Beautiful Star was drowned yesterday owing to the boat capsizing. Captain Jones and two others swam ashore. July 1. The Customs revenue at Timaru for last quarter amounted to £6215, against £5802 during the corresponding quarter of last year. The following entries were made to-night for the Timaru Steeplechases: —Tall-ho Handicap —Silverstream, Noumea, Erin-go-Bragh (late Stockman), Ada, Lonehand (Ray’s), Jock, Tam o’ Shanter, Lonehand, Loyalty, Pakeha, Agent, and Ivanhoe. Maiden Plate —Noumea, Ada, Nellie, and Deceiver. Timaru Steeplechase Cup —Royalty, Lonehand (Ray’s), Tam o’ Shanter, Loyalty, Lonehand Deceiver, Palceha, aud Agent. July 3. An examination was held to-day on the barque Geo. Noble, which arrived in the roadstead yesterday. The result was that it was found that the vessel had been so severely strained during the late gale that she was ordered to proceed to Sydney at once for repairs.

The nautical enquiry into the wreck of the brigantine Alcbar occupied nearly all day. The harbor-master stated that the vessel’s cables were too light for an open roadstead, and be had informed her late captain so. No further particulars of importance were elicited. Light showers have been falling all day, but this evening a steady rain with a fresh southwest gale set iu, and further floods are feared. At the ordinary meeting of ths Harbor Board to-day a letter was read from the At-torney-General relative to the steam launch question, and advising that the Board had no power to appropriate the endowment fund for the purchase of the launch. It is not likely that further action will be taken in the matter, as those who were the warmest advocates of the project don’t seem inclined to risk their private money on it. With reference to the request from the Borough Council that the Board should lend them £25,000 on the strength of the unfloated waterworks debentures, the following resolutions were passed :—That provided the securities offered are undeniable, and that the Board has legal power to lend money, also that the loan can be resumed on a definite notice, the Board lend it. That Mr. Stout’s opinion he obtained as to the safety and legal right of the Board to accede to the request of the Council. The tender of O. W. Cowburn, at £4555, has been accepted, for the new Post Office buildings. Oamaru, -June 30. Railway communication with Palmerston is interrupted, and it is expected that it will be several days before trains can run to Timaru, as there are three gaps iu the line to repair. At the inquiry into the fire at Larkins’ shop, which was burned down about a fortnight ago, the jury returned a verdict that the fire was the work of an incendiary, but by whom caused there was no evidence to show. Twenty piers in the bridge over the Ivakanni river have been partly destroyed, but no other damage of any moment is reported. The weather is now fine. Dunedin, June 27. Judge Bathgate yesterday decided on a test case that a railway employee is person ably responsible for neglect of performance of duty iu short-shipping goods. At a parade on Wednesday night, the whole of the Volunteers, with three exceptions, volunteered for active service. The Education Board crave three months’ notice to Mr. Scott, schoolmaster at Tuapelca, who was charged with falsifying his school accounts. The local committee wished him to be leniently dealt with. The Board, Mr. Green alone dissenting, carried a resolution in favor of Bible reading in schools. Mr. Green received a vote of confidence from the Blueskin portion of his constituency.

William Gonrlay, a colored man, received a sentence of two months’ imprisonment for an attempted criminal assault. The Star says that Mallard has demanded a departmental inquiry into his action re Athemeum.

The Works Committee of the Harbor Board recommend that Messrs Peter Denny, Jas. Galbraith, and John Darling, be a Commission at Home to superintend the procuring of a dredge for the harbor ; also, that the jetty accommodation be extended, at a cost of £12,000, iu consequence of the increased railway demands.

June 28. Seven insolvencies have been filed during the week.

The banquet to Judge Bathgate, on his leaving for England, was a decided success. In the course of his speech he said that it was not .generally known that his appointment a 3 magistrate was unsolicited and wholly unexpected. When the offer was made by the then Premier, he refused to accept it unless the whole of the Cabinet, without a dissenting voice, approved it. Out of 18,000 cases brought before him during five and a half year’s magistracy, only twenty-five cases had been appealed against, and of these twenty-five appeals the Supreme Court upheld eighteen. He had no holiday save one week at Christmas during that time, and lie thought he had now earned a lengthened holiday. There are twelve cases set down for trial at the next criminal sessions ; none of the offences are very serious.

Government has asked the Benevolent Institution to start an association for establishing a Deaf aud Dumb Institution. It was decided to entertain the proposal, provided satisfactory arrangements were made for its support. The committee strongly recommended Government to keep in view the desirability of associating it with the scheme for the formation of an Orphan Asylum to receive children untainted with crime. Mr. Ballance doubts the policy of connecting the latter with the Deaf and Dumb Institution, but leaves the question over for further consideration. Government do not propose to control the institution, or to interfere with its working in any way. The association must make their own arrangements for the inmates from other part 3 of the colony. Miss Mitchell proceeds to Dunedin to render assistance in establishing the institution. June 3 \ In the City Court to-day Margaret McCall was committed for trial for stabbing a Chinaman with a knife. Anthony Bad cock, charged with stealing a saddle, admitted the offence, pleading that it was to obtain food, and was sentenced to two months’ imprisonment. _ July 1. The news of the split in the Cabinet, which arrived this morning, is causing great excitement. A cabman named Clinton, who was under an impression that the Inspector of Nuisances had a “ down ” on him, was guilty of contempt of Court while being tried at the Police Court today. After having half-apologised he was fined 405., but elected to go to gaol. The first of the cases against the Corporation for allowing the storm to injure the goods in the cellars of various merchants in town is tried. North and Scoular have sued the Corporation for £IOOO. The case was adjourned till to-morrow.

The Athemeum Committee met this evening. It appears that the committee have received no communication from the insurance company, and tenders are being called for the reerection of the building. The committee resolved to wait upon the local agent, and failing a satisfactory arrangement, to apply to the head office.

Owing to the bad weather the unemployed have not yet been started on the Strath-Taieri railway section. It will be determined on Monday next by the Harbor Board whether they will send Mr. Simpson, their engineer, home to superintend the erection of the dredge for the bar.

The bonded warehouses were closed on Saturday and to-day for stock-taking ; hence our small Customs return.

Mr. Thomson, M.H.R., was to have addressed bis constituents at Balclutha this evening. He is, however, weather-bound in Dunedin.

The Union Steamship Company have purchased the Waitaki from the Oamaru Steam Navigation Company. They will replace the Waitaki by a small boat for the Dunedin aud Oamaru trade, and the Waitaki will trade with the Northern ports, to wait for the mail at convenient seasons.

A new mud-shoot was being tried to-day for depositing soil from the harbor across the Rattray-street jetty, when the boarding gave way before much work could be done, but the damage can easily be repaired. The case against Cummock, sub-librarian of the Dunedin Athemeum, has been adjourned till Wednesday. Two informations of embezzlement and one of arson have -been preferred.

Chalmers Reid was examined at great length yesterday morning. He admitted that he started in business three years ago without any capital, and owing £ISOO. At the end of last March, when the bank “ put on the screw,” his account being overdrawn £9OO, all the monies which he had received for investment went iu reduction thereof. Among his victims were two young men just out from Home with a little capital. July 2. In Banco to-day a motion was made to strike a solicitor off the rolls for refusing to deliver up moneys belonging to a client. It is reported that the Waikouaiti bridge, which cost the country upwards of £4OOO, is seriously injured by the floods. Cummock, the assistant librarian of the Athemeum, was brought up at the Police Court to-dav, charged with incendiarism. The Court was filled, and the proceedings appeared to occasion more than usual interest. inspector Mallard conducted the prosecution, and Mr. G. E. Hawkins defended the prisoner. Several witnesses were examined, the evidence

beiug chiefly a recapitulation of that given at the inquest on the fire. The ex-librarian was subjected to a severe cross-examination by prisoner’s counsel, but his testimony was unshaken. The case was ultimately adjourned till Friday. The first of a series of actions against the Corporation was concluded yesterday in the District Court. North and Scoular sued the City Couucil for £2OO, damages sustained through water entering their cellars during the floods in March last. The jury returned a verdict for defendants. Mr. Stout gave notice of appeal. This stops for the present a batch of actions against the Corporation. The matter of the prosecution at present ponding against Andrew Reid, of Saddle Hill, and Jane Reid, his wife, for sly -grog selling, was incidentally mentioned at the Police Court this morning by Inspector Mallard, who said that if the Reids “ cleared out” and vacated their premises at Saddle Hill altogether, and the premises were cleared, be would ask to bo allowed to withdraw both informations for the present, without promising anything as to their not being brought on again. Mr. Watt, R.M., said he would take time to consider the application.

A struggle for possession of the hoardings in Dunedin is at present going on between the Times and their late billsticker. The latter brought an action against a man named James Robin for having prevented him from using some boardings, and the damages were laid at £2O ; but the plaintiff was defeated. <>f late there lias been a number of large vans drawn through the streets, placarded all over. This is at present a popular novelty, and lias given offence to the hoarding proprietors. The Dunedin Presbytery sat to-day, and Mr. Russell, of Caversham, was appointed Moderator. It was agreed to grant a Presbyterian certificate to the Rev. Mr. Blake, who is about to settle in Prebbleton.

The railway system is still out of order, although the Invercargill service has been renewed. The train goes as far as G rey town, and a coach there unites with Waihola, on the other side of the floods. Judge Bathgate left for England in the Arawata to-day. A. number of friends went down to the port to see him off. July S. In the Supreme Court to-day, a rule absolute calling upon G. B. Barton to show cause why he should not answer to matters contained in affidavits of G. R. West and P. Sinclair, and why he should not forthwith pay the attorney of plaintiff, Kirkham, the sum of £604 19s. 9d. and interest and costs of this rule.— Mr. Smith moved that the rule be made absolute, and that Mr. Barton be called upon to show cause why be should not be struck off the rolls. His Honor granted the application for the rule to be made absolute, and that within 21 days after the service Mr. Barton answers the affidavit and pays the money within that time, or as soon afterwards as counsel can he heard to show cause why he should not he struck off the rolls, and that lie pays Kirkman’s solicitor the costs of, and occasioned by, the rule nisi. The Court adjourned to Thursday. The Savings Bank in schools is not flourishing. The Tokomairiro School Committee at their meeting discussed the scheme, hut were equally divided in opinion, and the chairman declined to give a casting vote.

It i 3 announced that of the funds of the Church Society, which were under the charge of the secretary and treasurer, Mr. F. C. Reid, some £4OO or £SOO have entirely disappeared, and all efforts on the part of the committee to recover them have as yet failed. They are involved in the fate of the Colonial Building Company, and as Mr. Reid, its representative, is bankrupt, and the company is being wound up, the prospects look very bad. The society for some time past has been making efforts to withdraw the money, but has been deceived by constant promises, which were never fulfilled. The whole affair is a very painful one. The matter is at present in the hands of solicitors and accountants for investigation, and it is proposed afterwards to hold a meeting of subscribers. An adjourned meeting of the Harbor Board was held this afternoon, attended by Messrs. A. McNeil (presiding), Fish, Burt, Mills, Bridgeman, J. Mills, and Captain Logan. Mr. Fish gave notice that he would move at the next meeting of the Board that the previous appointment of commissioners for building a dredge he confirmed, the duties to lie performed by au inspection commissioner to be clearly defined, also the amount of remuneration to he paid him. The Board then went into committee to consider a report from the Works Committee re ordering a dredge, but iu the absence of the chairman no result was arrived at. It is still as before uncertain when the Board will send its engineer Home to superintend the erection of a dredge. It is said that Mr. W. D. Steward contests the seat for the City, under the auspices, it is understood, of the Bible in School supporters. He is sure to be opposed. Invercargill, June 27. Mr. Cummock, late librarian to the Dunedin Athenaeum, was brought up this afternoon and removed to Dunedin. July 1. The Northern mail was delivered this evening, being the first since Saturday. The following are the vital statistics in the Invercargill district for June : Births, 35; deaths, 15 ; marriages, 15. At a meeting of the Bluff Harbor Board today th- expert who had been appointed to examine the new light-ship reported very favorably upon her. She will he soon, moored in position. It was Mated that a Bill to vest the Foresh re of Bluff Harbor in the Board would lie introduced early in the s-.ssio ■, and had been promised hearty support by members. July 3. The Hudson Surprise Company, from Melbourne, are performing with great success, the theatre being crowded. They go to Dunedin, where they will perform at the Queen’s Theatre.