Telegraphic News.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 387, 12 July 1879, Page 15

Telegraphic News.

Carterton, July 4. Some excitement was caused here to-day through the discovery by a man while digging in the back garden of the Marquis of Normanby Hotel of the remains of an iufant child. It was in a gin case, and wrapped in flannel. The police have taken possession of the body, and Dr. Spratt, the coroner, has been sent for. The body has evidently been buried for twelve months. Auckland, July 4. Messrs. Hobbs and Hamlin addressed their constituents at Ararimu. Mr. Hobbs in his speech said that he was surprised at the amount of money expended at the Te Kopua meeting by the Government. He would forgive them if they would give him as much to distribute amongst his constituents. In reference to the Taranaki difficulty he thought that the natives should have been firmly dealt with. They had gone too far to be allowed to slip. Matters should be settled at once and for ever. The sooner Te Whiti was sent to the Whau Asylum the better. (Cheers.) He disapproved of the attempts to stir up strife between the Upper and Dower Houses. A vote of confidence was passed. The contractors for raising the Taupo have thrown up their contract in consequence of the severe weather having retarded their operations. It has been decided to sell the Taupo on the 22nd July, with her engines, machinery, the steam winches, and other articles. July 5.

A telegram from Ohinemutu states that Mitchell and Edwards returned from Galatea and Paroa this afternoon, having succeeded in overcoming all difficulties connected with the survey of the Kaingaroa blocks, containing about 400,000 acres. There are five parties of surveyors on these blocks, and unless delays are caused by the Government there is every prospect of these lauds being speedily opened for settlement. The natives, who were the greatest objectors, are now most anxioxis to have the surveys carried on. All the difficulties which Mitchell and Edwards had met with not only emanated from dissatisfied tabes, but was partly instigated by a person who was lately on the Government Land Purchase Commission. His letter wa3 produced at a great native meeting at Te Paroa, but fortunately the natives present treated the letter with contempt. At a meeting of the Teachers' Association, held to-day, a circular was received from the Wellington Association, enclosing the following matters of interest for the consideration of°the Auckland Association, and requesting its co-operation in regard to them —viz., the desirability of getting a clause insertedin the Education Act empowering the Minister of Education to appoint a Court of Appeal for the investigation of harsh decisions on the part of Boards and their officers ; (2) the extent of the power to local committees in the appointment and dismissal of teachers ; (3) to take measures against the substitution of the word "insubordination" for "gross misbehavior" in a clause of the present Act. The consideration of these matters was postponed till next Saturday. J July 7.

Sydney news gives further particulars of the death of Mr. F. M. Bates, the actor. The preliminary examination by Dr. Neild showed a deep wound on the right temple, but Dr.

Neild thought it probable at the post mortem examination that Bates died from disease of the heart. The police think he was struck violently on the head and then robbed and thrown over an embankment, as a quantity of jewellery he was known to have had on was mission. The deceased had only arrived from Sydney a few days ago. Mrs. Bate 3 and two children were in Sydney, but left for Melbourne to attend the inquiry. J. M. Dargaville is understood to be the candidate for Sir Robert Douglas' seat for Marsden at the next election, but he will be opposed by Seymour George in the Grey interest. At the Domain Board to-day a letter was read from the chairman of the Dunedin Domain Board, requesting the Board to cooperate with them, in endeavoring to obtain an annual grant from the Government with a view of rendering the Botanical Gardens useful for scientific purposes. The secretary was directed to reply, informing the chairman that the object had the Board's entire sympathy, and they were ready to co-operate with them in the matter.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Acclimatisation Society was held this afternoon. The monthly financial statement was read, showing that the amount standing to the credit of the society was £373 ISs. 4d. It was agreed to spend £SO in the introduction of trout ova from Christchurch and Dunedin. July 8. Subscriptions are being raised to press the North railway upon the attention of Parliament. At the meeting convened by a Victorian millowner, held to-day, to consider a proposal to establish a woollen factory, the matter was favorably received, and an influential committee was appointed to collect information. July 9. A Bill to consolidate the city loans is to be introduced into Parliament next session by the Council ; also one to transfer the Mechanics' Institute to create a free library. A correspondent writing from Adelaide says hundreds of men there are out of employment, and an indignation meeting was held among the newly arrived immigrants there, who said they had been seduced out by false pretences. July 10.

Chaplin, Osborne, and Company have made a hit in Sullivan's comedy " Engaged." The company is the most complete that has been to Auckland for a long period.

The harbour leclamation allotments were leased at auction to-day. There was spirited bidding. The Waste Lands Board, at the request of Sir George Grey, has reserved from sale the Takapuna block, near Whangarei, of 27,527 acres, for a contemplated settlement of vinegrowers. The block is reported by the Commissioner to be most suitable, having fine sunny slopes, and good land. Grahamstown, July 5. Mr. Eowe, M.H.R., has been invited by memorial to address his constituents before leaving, but pleads a bad cold. He will not be in his place at the opening of the session, but will be there soon afterwards. The County Council intends to enforce payment of £9OOO interest due by the mining companies on the £60,000 advances, and if not paid in September, it will take possession of the pumps, and arrange to set them going by means of water as a motive power. July 9. The Caledonian yield from the late crushing yielded 78oz. 6dwts. In Hape Creek tribute Tetley and party had a trial crushing of three tons. At the Moanatairi, Devin and party obtained 30oz. 9dwts. from eleven tons. In the Kurunui Hill, Le Mauquais tribute party crushed on Tuesday, and retorted the amalgam from a quantity of picked stone, obtaining 13oz. of gold. At the Waiotai the stuff at the battery is shaping well, and a good return is expected from the month's crushing. Coromandel, July 5. The Etakatere Company has a yield of lOloz. of retorted gold from six tons of quartz. The Harbor View Tribute party has a return of 130 oz. of gold. From private information, it is learnt that the petition for a borough for Coromandel had been refused before the arrival of his Excellency the Governor at Wellington. Nelson, July 7. A handsome steamer, built by Moutray and Crosbie to the order of Cross Bros., was successfully launched last night. She is 105 ft. over all, with 17ft. beam, and a tonnage of 90 tons. Her cost will be about £6OOO, and she is intended for the Wanganui trade. July 8. Mr. Hursthouse, M.H.R., addressed his constituents last night. He condemned _ the native policy of the Government, and received a vote of confidence. July 10. This morning's Colonist says : —" It is rumored here that Mr. Acton Adams, M.H.R. for Nelson city, is about to join the Ministry as Attorney-General. Mv. Adams contradicts the rumor to the extent of saying that the appointment is not ' definitely' offered to him." Westpobt, July 7. A child, five years old, fell into the river and was drowned before a lot of persons, who were looking on, could rescue it. Ivumara, July 9. A great rush has been occasioned here through a lead of gold being struck near Westbrook, on the west side of Greenstone Creek. Parties were out all night with candles pegging the ground off in all directions. Nearly 500 are on the ground now. The prospect obtained is ldwt. to to the dish._ Should the lead be traced, as expected, it will be an extensive field. Chiustchdrch, July 4. During last month one woman and seven men were imprisoned for debt at Aldington Gaol.

At a meeting of the committee of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association to-day, it was resolved to invite from Australia judges for horses and cattle exhibits at the forthcoming annual show. At a meeting of the general committee of the Hill benefit it was resolved that the performance on the two nights should be by amateurs only, and a suggestion was made that professionals could get up a performance on their own account for the fund if they were desirou3 of aiding it. July 5. On Friday news was brought to the Rakaia township that on the previous Tuesday a mass of wreckage had been observed outside the surf, just south of the mouth of the Rakaia Paver. The beach was much strewn with onions. A boat was also washed ashore. It is an ordinary clinker-built ship's boat 18ft. long, and part of an oar was in it, and it had a chain painter. There was no name on it. The present color is white, but it appears to have been at one time red, and at another bine. On Wednesday morning the mass of floating wreckage had disappeared. At the inquest on Barnes, surveyor, who died from the effects of a fall from his horse, a verdict of accidental death was returned. •2 July 7. iAn inquest was held on the body of Jessie Wright, a child eighteen months old, and the evideuce showed that the child had swallowed a piece of tin and a portion of a box of matches. The verdict was " accidental death." July 8. About forty of the Christchurch City Guards! have offered their services for the front if required. A murderous assault was committed this afternoon by a man named William Henry Strong on his son, two years of age. The man, while intoxicated, dashed the child's head violently against a door. The child is not expected to recover, and the father is now in custody. July 9The annual report of the Canterbury Orphan Asylum shows an expenditure of £1903 14s. 10d., making an averaee weekly expenditure of 7s. per head. The amount received for maintenance of children from private sources was £331 12s. The average number of children in the Asylum for the past year was 98. Captain Anthony, of the Annie Bow, formerly master of barquentine Swallow, recognised the description of wreckage at Pencarrow as exactly coinciding with corresponding parts of the Swallow. The first sod of the Akaroa Railway was turned to-day by Mr. G. Robinson. A meeting of tradesmen was held last night, to consider the question of fostering colonial industry by imposing extra duty on imported manufactures. A committee was appointed to further consider the matter, and call a public meeting, with a view to ventilating the subject, and if possible, getting it brought under the consideration of Parliament. July 10. A row occurred yesterday in the Britannia Hotel between two men named Gear and Physicks. Physieks knocked Gear down for insulting him, and in falling the latter broke his leg. He was taken to the hospital. The annual meeting of the Board of College Governors was held this afternoon. The chairman read a lengthy statement of tho transactions of the year. Mr. Montgomery was re-elected chairman of the Board, and a committee for the ensuing year were appointed. The Darrell Company open at the Gaiety on Saturday night, and Hiscocks and Hayman's Company open on the same date at the Poyal.

Ashburton, July 7.

The final meeting of the Ashburton Road Board was held to-day. The district is now constituted under two new Boards, to be elected fortnightly. Several tenders forjrablic works have been ordered to be re-advertised, the amounts being higher than the rate paid last year. The contracts have been prepared specially for the unemployed. Some of the latter were offered work at eight shillings per day a few days ago, but declined unless nine shillings were paid. It is proposed that the Road Boards and Borough Council should ask the County Council, who have plenty of money, to advance a sum equal to what they will receive out of the £IOO,OOO from the Land Fund retained by Government, to enable them to prosecute urgent works and assist the labor market. TlMABtr, July 4. The repairs to the Washdyke bridge were sufficiently advanced to-day to allow the northern express to come through.. A break still ocem's near Pareora, south of Timaru, where the two express trains meet. July 7. Very few of the Ai-owhenua natives recorded their votes to-day for the election of a member for the Southern Maori Electoral District. July S. Captain Young, Sub-Lieutenant Findlay, and twenty men of the Temuka Rifle Volunteers, have offered for active service in the North Island. The stranded schooner Pelican is to be relaunched by the underwriters and repaired, when she will be handed back to the owners if in proper condition. The South Canterbury members of Parliament leave by train to-day. It is understood that Mr. Turnbull will still adhere to the Grey party, while Messrs. Wakefield and Studholme will be in strong opposition. The feeling in this district is directly, in favor of a new Ministry. A coursing match for £2O a side has been arranged between Ronayne's Kathleen and Burrow's Manchester.

Mr. C. W. Cowburn, whose tender was accepted for the new Post and Telegraph Offices, refused to proceed with the contract. 'Cue next lowest tender is that of Tuhb and

Turgudf, of Timaru. Great progress is, being made with the cx>

cavation of tho high cliff behind the railway station, to make roorn for the new station, and the work is expected to be completed at an early date. It will take at least, £2OOO to repair the damage done to the roads and bridges by the late floods in the Levels road district alone. The contractor for the first contract of the Opawa railway extension commenced work today. July 9. Reports were rife in town to-day that a quantity of wreck was seen off the mouth of the Ari River, but it is believed to be part of the brigantine Akbar, wrecked five or six mile 3 north of Timaru, on the -29th ult. Some weeks ago the Board of Education sent to the Timaru School Committee a list of applicants for the second mastership of the Timaru school. The committee put an one side several high certificated men, and chose a young man belonging to Timaru. The Board sent back all the applications for reconsideration, but tli.) committee still refused to select any other can Mit ■. To-day the Board resolved to virtually tike the appointment in their own hands, and weieet the person whom they think best fitted for the post, the choice of the committee oeiug so glaringly absurd that the Board could not uphold it on any consideration. The Timaru and other school committees in tho district seem to devote their attention to find out in what way they can best work entirely in opposition to the Hoard. July 10. There were no nominations whatever to-day for the four vacant heats iti the Timaru Borough Council. This is the second time the nomination has been advertised without any result.

The Waimatoi School Committee have instructed the master to furnish a list of all children who do not attend regularly, with the view of enforcing -the compulsory clauses of the Act. It is stated thatthe Timaru School Committee intend resigning in a body, owitn/ to the Board of .Education's action re appointment of a second master. Dunedtn, July 5. The Education Board are building schools in the city which will cost £7OOO. They will accommodate 3500 scholars The University Commission have finished taking evidence here, and are now considering tho interim report to be presented to Parliament. Mr. James Macassey will contest the Dunedin vacancy., The following appears in the Star t —" Referring to a paragraph in your columns last evening, to the effect that Mr. W. D. Stewart is to contest the City under the auspices, as you understood, of the Bible in Schools Committee, permit me to state that the question has never been under its consideration. —I am, <fcc, Bbig'ht, hon. secretary. —Dunedin, July 4." It is expected that the journey from Dunedin to Christchurch will be made in one day by rail on Monday. A canvass yesterday for members for the Chamber of Commerce resulted in 50 names being added to the roll. m July 7. In accordance with an advertisement, a meeting of electors favorable to secular education was held to-day for the purpose of securing a suitable candidate to contest the forthcoming election. About a dozen persons were present. Messrs. Braithwaite, G. C. Turton, Wm. Bolt, Jas. Jones, P. Hudson, and A. Lea Smith having spoken, the following resolution was passed :—'• That a sub-committee be appointed to wait on gentlemen likely to become candidates, and to ascertaiu their views as to secular education, and report to a future meeting." The committee selected interviewed Messrs. Peeves, Bradshaw, and Fish, and Captain Baldwin. Messrs. Bradshaw and Fish will probably not stand, and Captain Baldwin will only do so contingent upon Mr. Keeves declining. The tramway was in partial operation today, and was largely patronised, free trains being run until more powerful engines are obtained. Traffic will be confined to the Castlestreet route, as the present engines will not be able to take cars up the ateep rise in the Octagon. The journey from Cargill's monument to the Water of Leith, a distance of nearly two miles, was done in ten minutes, including stoppages. The tram runs very smoothly. In the District Court to-day Edward John Chamberlain and Anne Chamberlain, his wife, sued the Mayor, Councillors, and citizens of Dunedin, and Michael Couuellan, for -£2OO, for damages sustained through the defendants having wrongfully and negligently dug holes and created an obstruction in and upon Walker-street, whereby Anne Chamberlain fell into one of the said holes and sustained serious injury, and became permanently disabled ; plaintiff, Edward John Chamberlain, also claimed to recover damages for that he had lost the comfort and services of the said Anne Chamberlain for a long time, and will be permanently deprived thereof, and that he also incurred expense in nursing and for medical attendance. Mr. Denniston appeared for the plaintiffs ; Mr. Smith, and with him Mr. F. A. Chapman, for the defendants. A. verdict for the plaintiffs on the first count for £3O and on the second for £45, with costs, was given.

Th'e sale of the Henley estate attracted a large attendance on Saturday, and a great many sections were sold, nothing being passed. Ten farms, averaging about 180 acres, realised from £8 to £ls per acre. The highest price was £l9 10s. per acre, for a small freehold. The principal purchasers were Messrs. S. B. Cargill, James Shaud, John Roberts, and Donald. The New Zealand Insurance Company have paid the policy on books, and have given to the Athenasuin Committee the salvage. July 8. Mr. C. S. Reeves has announced himself this evening as a candidate for the vacant Dunedin

seat. Mr. Reeves states he will support a vote for denominational schools, but says only secular education should be taught in national schools. It is rumored that Mr. Macassey will retire. The adjourned meeting of electors " favorable to secular education" was held at the Occidental Hotel to-day, at noon ; Mr. J. Brathwaite presided, and fourteen other persons were present. After the sub-committee had reported the result of their interviews with various gentlemen, it was resolved unanimously to support Captain Baldwin's candidature". The meeting afterwards resolved itself into a committee to initiate steps to secure Captain Baldwin's return. Holvei-ston's claim, near Hyde, continues to give splendid yields. Last week, on resuming operations, 30ozs. of gold were got the first day, 48ozs. the second day, 90ozs. the third day, and on Saturday 1200i.5., the men working only six hours a day. It is stated in Dunedin on very good authority that it is proposed to abolish the office of paymaster for the Middle Island railways at Dunedin aud Invercargill, and in future all payments for the railway services of the Middle Island will be made from the head office at Christchurch.

The Union Steam Shipping Company have arranged to substitute the Ringarooma for the Albion to-morrow, in order to accommodate the members of Parliament and their families.

A second printing trade journal is to be published in Dunedin about September, under the title of the Colonial Printers' Register.

A crowded meeting of Catholics of both sexes was held at the Temperance Hall this evening, to consider the Education question. Bishop Moran presided, and on the platform were delegates from Christchurch, Invercargill, Lawrence, Queenstown, &c. The following resolutions were proposed and carried tmanimously :—" That a national system of purely secular education is contrary to the conscientious convictions of Catholics, and condemned by their religious principles, and repugnant to their Christian feelings. That a system of purely secular education is not only unchristion and anti-christian, but also impolitic, and calculated to impair the moral tone of the community and render life and property insecure. That as Catholics conscientiously hold these principles and views, it is a grievous injustice to compel them to pay taxes for the maintenance of a purely secular system of education, and to submit to what is in effect double taxation, in consequence ot having to maintain schools for the Christian education of their children. That as citizens, contributing their fair share to the public funds, Catholics are entitled to a fair share of the expenditure of these funds in support of educatiou, and are consequently entitled in justice to a fair share for their own schools, so long as public moneys are spent in the maintenance of education." A petition embodying the foregoing resolutions was adopted, for presentation to Parliament. The Hon. Dr. Grace is to be entrusted to present the petition in the Legislative Council, aud Mr. J. C. Brown, member for Tuapeka, will lay it before the House of Representatives. July 9. At the City Court, Jonathan Richardson was committed for trial on a charge of robbery aud assault. He bailed the prosecutor up on the North-east "Valley road yesterday morning, demanding his mouey or his life. The prosecutor handed over his money, and subsequently gave information to the police. Andrew Murray, manager for Kirkpatrick and Glendinuing, was charged with cohamitting a rape on his own daughter, aged 12 years. Prisoner is a widower. The prosecutrix swore positively to the commission of the offence by the prisoner, who attempted to assault her companion. Through Mr. Macassey's retirement Mr. Stewart's chance of election is considered to be very good. Some very intemperate language was used at the Catholic meeting last night. An enquiry was held this forenoon at Simpson's store, Arthur-street, by Dr. Hocken, the City Coroner, into the circumstances attending the death of Charles Macray, anew arrival, who was supposed to have committed suicide, He had been a jeweller, in Duke-street, Edinburgh, for the firm of Walker and Cunningham. He there failed for £68,000 a few months ago owing to the failure of the Glasgow Bank, aud paid 15s. in the £ ; his chief creditors were his uncle and father-in-law, and by their advice he came out here, they promising assistance if he succeeded.—Dr. Burns deposed that all he knew of deceased was that he formed one of the new arrivals, who had been drinking hard since he came to the colony. When he called to deceased he found from appearances that he was suffering from opium poison. He went to the druggist for the necesaary appliances, and when he returned in five minutes the breathing was nearly stopped, and deceased almost dead. At the back of the grate in his bedroom he found tho bottle produced (a two-ounce bottle), with a few drops of laudanum still in it. There was no trace in the room to show that he had taken laudanum otherwise than the bottle. A quarter of the quantity taken would in all probability have caused death. He could quite understand that Mr. Simpson was deceived by the appearance of the deceased. The jury returned a verdict of temporary insanity. Captain. Baldwin, after fully considering the matter, has arrived at the conclusion that the cause of secular education would suffer in the forthcoming contest were Mr. Reeves and he to stand, and therefore he has determined to withdraw.

The tramway cars are running to the Water of Leith, and are well patronised. The engines appear to work well on the lino, it being level, but the difficulties with the steep gradient on the main line along Princes and George streets have yet to be overcome. July 10. The man Murray, who stands committed for trial on a charge of rape on his own daughter, was in receipt of a salary of £-400 a year. The magistrate refused bail until steps could be taken vesting the custody of the child in some suitable guardian.

Mr. Stewart's chances of election are considered favorable. Mr. Reeves will be the only other candidate. Mr. Stewart has announced himself opposed to the present Government.

There are only two common and one special jury cases fixed for the civil sittings of the Supreme Court. The special jury case is an action by Solomon, music dealer, Oamaru, against the South British Insurance Company, for a claim on an insurance policy. At the Supreme Court to-day, John Kennow, charged with larceny, was sentenced to six months' hard labor.

The criminal sessions of the Supreme Court were brought to a close to-day, Cummock's case being ordered to stand over until Judge Johnston comes South. Of the nine cases sent before! the common jury there were seven convictions. In addition to the above, Reid, who was convicted at the last session for perjury, was sentenced to three months' imprisonment.

At the ordinary monthly meeting of the Otago University Council to-day the ViceChancellor reported that the Finance Committee had failed to raise the loan for payment of the contractors, and requested that power be granted to pay them as soon as the funds permitted, which was agreed to. A letter was read from Professsor Scott, complaining of the action of the Council in having refused to place him on an equal footing with the other professors, and also protesting against the Council having allowed full reports of discussions to appear in the papers while his letter of application was withheld from the reporters. A letter was received from the Government re appointment of an arbitrator to confer with the Board's representative to assess the amount due to the Board for lands taken for railway purposes, and nominating Mr. Blair, and also dealing with the position of the Government debenture holders. An exhaustive draft reply having been read, several members regretted that the personal references which usually permeated the Board's communications to the Government were not wanting in the draft reply just read. M.v. McNeill expressed the opinion that there was evidently in tho report a latent spirit of antagonism towards the Government which it was desirable to have eliminated. He agreed that there were grounds for complaint, but he did not approve of so much personal feeling being shown. On Mr. Walter's suggestion, the proposed reply was referred to Messrs. McNeill, Mills, and Fish, and the Chairman, to revise, and to forward same to the Government.

The sixth annual report of the Female Refuge is published. There are at present eight women in the Refuge, and nearly all of them are . steady, industrious, and well conducted, and some have become trusted helps. In addition to these, eighteen women have been inmates for longer or shorter periods during the year. Three of these have left to go to service, and are giving every indications of reformation, and one of these three has been comfortably married. Of the remaining fifteen the committee can give no good accounts. A shilling subscription has been started by the admirers of William Green, the antispiritual lecturer, to purchase a souvenir for that gentleman. Invjercakgill, July 7. The Judge's order in the case of Kenny, who pleaded guilty to a charge of attempted rape, was given effect to to-day, when twentyfive lashes were administered to the prisoner. He appeared to feel the cat very severely. July 10. The schooner Jane Anderson, from Dunedin, arrived at the wharf to-day in a leaky condition, having got ashore on the North Spit whilst attempting to beat into the river a week since, and severely strained herself. She was aground several hours, and a heavy sea rolled in. Her crew deserted her at low water aud went ashore. As the tide made she floated off and they reboarded her and brought her to an anchorage. She was then detained down the harbor by head winds. Captain Saunders estimates her damage at between £3OO and .£SOO. As she will have to be stripped and examined, she will return to be docked as soon as she is discharged. Mr. Crombie, of the Railway Department, who is leaving for Dunedin to manage the tramway there, was presented this evening by his fellow railway employes with a diamond ring and a handsome marble clock. He was afterwards entertained at dinner by a number of his friends.

Mr. Bowen, of the Customs Department, who is under orders to leave for Wellington, was presented with a testimonial this evening by a number of his friends. The weather is glorious for winter, but since yesterday the barometer has been fearfully low, ranging between 28'55 and 29'10. This is a hurricane or snow storm.

Of the fifty-four school committees of the southern district, thirty-seven have expressed an opinion relative to Bible reading without comment in the public schools, and of this number thirty-three are in favor of it and four against it.