Telegraphic News.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 423, 20 March 1880, Page 7

Telegraphic News.

(from otjk own correspondent.) Opunake, March 15.

Some two or three hundred natives passed here during the last week to attend the halfyearly meeting at Parihaka, which is always much more largely attended than the regular monthly ones. Titokawara and his immediate followers went on Saturday, which, as I before informed you, is his first visit for the last four -months. Great things are expected by believers in Te Whiti to result from this meeting. My own opinion is that it will end in smoke, as far as the prophet's predictions are concerned, as all former meetings have done. But the action of the present Government must destroy his mana, and the end cannot be far off. I hear of many Europeans intending going to this meeting ; amongst others, several females from this township. I go there to-day.

(UNITED PRKSB ASSOCIATION.)

Masterton, March 13

The Royal Commission on Railways visited Eketahuna yesterday, and inspected the district. After two hours delay they proceeded to Woodville. The weather was very wet.

The survey of the Mangahao Block, the 6rst of the deferred payment blocks in the Fortymile Bush, has been completed, and the land •will be thrown open at once for selection. It adjoins the township of Eketahuna, with a frontage to the main road, and also to branch road to Alfredtown. It contains 190 sections, and is well watered, the principal streams being the Makakahi and Mangaone Rivers. The soil is good throughout. The character of the land varies from dead flat to undulating and slightly broken. The land is heavily timbered with tawa, rimu, and matai. The preliminary valuation was as follows :—Land much broken is valued at 10s. to 15s. per acre; flat, 405., and in a few instances 50s. The Government township, adjoining the main road, is laid off in blocks, and keen competition is likely to be displayed. The formation of the branch road to Alfredtown is well advanced. The main line of road is in splendid order.

The district is very dull just now, but is slightly improving. The number of swagsmen seeking employment is larger than ever before known. No employment is to be had, and there is no use in men coming from town for employment. For clearing purposes the season has been admirable, and splendid firings have taken place.

Auckland, March 11.

A man named William Bleslane, providore of the steamer Coromandel, was found drowned in the graving dock this morning. It is believed that last night he went down to the steamer, which is in the dock, and in attempting to go on board in the dark he fell over the planking, struck the masonry, and was stunned and drowned. He leaves a wife and five children.

"White Bros, publish a challenge to pull any four men in New Zealand. The following three events at three months' notice :—Fouroared outrigger (with coxswain), paired outrigger (no coxswain), single hand scullers' race ; each event for £SO.

Telegrams received by Auckland merchants, stating that bills which they had held, accepted by Godofroi and dishonored, have been paid. The new company will carry on operations on a grander scale than formerly.

March 12.

No fresh cases of fever at the quarantine station, and the existing cases are progressing favorably. The ship will be fumigated to-day. The Waitaki, with the San Francisco mails, has been anchored under Manukau Heads since yesterday morning, in consequence of the S.W. gale. At the inquest on William Blewstowe, who wasfdrowneu in the dock, a verdict of accidentally drowned was returned. William Chester, a settler at Te Itore, Waikato, has been killed through a fall from his horse.

March 13

Mrs. Boyle, widow of the late Jas. Boyle killed at Fort Britomart, complains in the local papers that though her husband's life was insured in the Government Insurance Department, and premiums all paid up, she has not received the money. Boyle's death occurred three months ago. Mr. Maginnity, secretary, telegraphs that while visiting Kihikihi, on Thursday last, he called upon Rewi, at his residence at Puniu. The great chief expressed much pleasure at the visit, and presented the visitor with a very handsome greenstone pendant. An engine-driver named Montgomery has been arrested, at Russell, for an alleged indecent assault on a native woman.

Major Jackson, of Waikato, has telegraphed "to Major Murray, of the Thames, that one hundred and fifty Waikato Cavalry will probably visit the Thames at Faster, to take part in the review.

The Hons. Premier and Attorney-General reached Auckland by to-day's train. The Premier appears surprised at the extent of Government land in Waikato available for settlement.

The second day's Dargaville Races were continued yesterday. The principal event, the Kaipara Handicap, of 75 so vs., was won by Xantippe, Malvern second, and Piscatoriou3 third.

The meeting of the Auckland Amateur Athletic took place to-day, and passed oS successfully. An inquest was held on the body of Thoman Birch, who died on board the Penguin. The evidence showed that deceased had been ailing on the passage up, and after leaving Gisborne got worse. He took a fit and died in five minutes. He had obtained some chlorodyne at Napier, which was the only medicine he

took on the voyage. Medical evidence showed that death resulted from aneurism of the heart, and the wonder was he had lived so long. A verdict of death from natural causes was returned. Twenty-six shillings were found on the body, and while the inquest was going on the purser discovered £96 in bank notes in the deceased's underclothing, r '•• ■

March 14.

A man named Hyde, or Hines, was found drowned off the reclaimed ground, near the dock, this morning. As his boots and socks were off, it is conjectured he went down the ladder on the face of the reclamation to wash his feet in the tide, and tumbled in, hitting his head against the woodwork. March 15.

Thomas Hanken, clerk in the railway department, has been arrested for embezzlement of £92, and remanded till Monday. Also Frank Foschon, for embezzling £52, the property of the Bank of New South Wales, was similarly remanded. Prisoner was teller in the bank, and came down some time ago from the bank in Sydney. The annnal meeting of Auckland Acclimatisation Society was held to-day. The report showed a net income of £743. R. C. Barstow is elected president. On the arrival of the Auckland and Thames representatives at the railway station, they were met by the Naval Brigade and Artillery Navals, who carried the carbine champion, Seaman Thomas, shoulder high, to a gun carriage, and then marched to the drillshed, with band playing " See the conquering hero comes."

The remains of Mr. Birch are to be forwarded to Dunedin, by steamer, for interment there.

March 16.

The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand was opened this evening, at St. Andrew's Church. Preliminary exercises were conducted by the ex-Moderator, the Rev. Mr. Sidey, after which the Rev. A. F. McNicol, the new Moderator for the present year, gave the usual inaugural address. d " A banquet was given to the Auckland and Thames representatives to-night, at the Albert Hall. Major Burns, of Auckland Battery of Artillery, presided. In responding to the toast of the Defence Minister, with which his name was coupled, Mr. Sheehan paid a high tribute to the honesty and ability of Mr. Bryce as a politician, and also expressed his belief that he was fully able to cope with the Waimate difficulty. Captains Payne and Wildman, and Sergeant Cochrane, of the Thames Scottish, were severe in their strictures on the marking at the Nelson meeting. A portion of the Good Templar Bodge Hope of Manukau, being dissatisfied with the working of the Grand Bodge of New Zealand North, have formed the Pride of Manukau Lodge, No. 3.

F. 6. Calleau, one of the French deportes, intends publishing here a musical journal called " The New Zealand Muse."

A poll of ratepayers to decide whether or not the City of Auckland Loans Consolidation Act, 1879, shall be brought into force, was held to-day. Little interest was taken, but the decision was affirmative by 162 votes to 7. A deputation from the Wangarei County Council waited upon Mr. Rolleston to urge the construction of the Kamo railway to deep water. Mr. Rolleston said £30,000 had been spent on the suggested work without any prospect of an equivalent return, and in the present financial state of the country, nothing more would be expended until the House met. Freights for schooners in inter-provincial trade are in increased demand, principally for timber.

The Premier leaves by the Wellington tomorrow for Taranaki.

A lecture exposing Mormonism was delivered to-night, at Cook-street Hall, by Edwin Carr. The place was crowded to excess. Elder Sorensen, of the Mormon mission, was invited to attend, but refused. John Thomas, aged nine years, while drawing up a bucket of water at a well in Water-loo-quadrant, fell down it, a distance of eighty feet, and was uninjured. While being drawn up he lost his hold 40 feet from the top, and went down again, but ultimately got out all right.

Gisborne, March 11.

The Hon. Mr. Rolleston left by the Penguin for Auckland. Daring his stay in the district he availed himself of the opportunity to ascertain its requirements. The County Council and Borough Council deputationised him, and strongly urged upon him the necessity of establishing special settlements on deferred payments in the district. The construction of main trunk line of roads to the oil springs and East Cape, was also advocated. The importance of Native Land Court sittings for settling subdivision claims was brought under his notice.

March 16.

Important evidence was elicited to-day in the re-hearing of the case of the Waingaronua No. 2, which it is expected will go a long way in support of the decision previously given by Judge Rogan. The enquiry has already extended over ten days, and there are still a large number of witnesses to be called. It is expected that during the present week the investigation before Judge Halse will close. The enquiry excites much attention, as the whole question of title is at stake. The improvements alone on the block amount to nearly £30,000. For months past a deadlock has existed in native land transactions here, the Resident Magistrate not acting as Frauds Commissioner. Much public inconvenience is occasioned in consequence.

Napier, March 13

The Governor arrived this afternoon, and was received by the Volunteers, Constabulary, &c, and the Mayor presented an address of welcome, to which His Excellency replied. The weather promises to be splendid for the races. Heavy rain has fallen for two days, but it is now fine.

Several gentlemen interested in coursing are desirous of forming a Coursing Club in Hawke's Bay if possible. There are now in the province a number of greyhounds, some of them with blood of Waterloo Cup winners in their veins, but they are chiefly kept as pets. Hares are also getting: comparatively numerous, especially on Clive Grange Estate, and one or two other properties on the plains, while they are frequently seen on the Ruataniwha. Mr. George Bennett's humorous story about his havinar been "on the wallaby" with Mr. Vincent Pyke, M.H.R., when they "lived on snakes for a week," does not seem to hold water. The Press Association agent in Napier yesterday received a telegram from Mr. Pyke asking him to contradict the tale, and adding, " I was never on the wallaby, and never eat snakes. Snakes are too luxurious for me, lizards are sufficient for my simple taste."

New Plymouth, March 12.

Owing to the Nelson steamer being delayed, all the arrangements for the reception of the winner of the champion belt have had to be altered, and the steamer coming on Sunday will prevent the people making the demonstration they intended. The banquet has been postponed till Monday.

March 15.

Owing to the steamer being delayed till Sunday, the arrangements made for the reception of Sergeant Okey, the winner of the Champion Belt, were abandoned, but a church parade of the volunteers was ordered for ten o'cloek yesterday, which was well attended. It was expected the steamer Wellington would have been here during the morning, but she did not show up till three o'clock. The volunteers were then again mustered by bugle call, and were marched to the beach, where they were drawn up to receive the representatives. In the meantime a deputation went on board the steamer and invited the Auckland and Thames representatives on shore. The invitation was accepted and they came ashore. On the boat reaching the landing place, four of Sergeant Okey's comrades advanced with a chair, on which they seated the champion, and then, lifting him on their shouders, carried him through the town to the Oddfellows' Hall, the band playing " See the conquering hero comes." As the steamer left at five, the visitors had only time to have some slight refreshment at the Oddfellows' Hall, which had been prepared for them, before they had to go on board the steamer again. A public banquet will be given this evening to Sergeant Okey, which bids fair to be a success.

The Public Works party, from Wellington, left by train this morning to commence work on the Mountain-road.

March 16.

The Lincolnshire delegates were entertained by Mr. Caverhill, during their stay here. Mr. Foster went by train to Waitara this morning, and returned by it, when he was driven as far as Okato. A party of gentlemen met the delegates at Mr. Caverhill's house to lunch, after which they went on board the Rangatira, which left for Manukau about four o'clock.

Blenheim, March 13,

There are now about 60 diggers at work on the newly discovered goldfields at Upper Wairau, and the creek has almost as many men as it can carry. The owners of the land contemplate taking proceedings on the ground of trespass, in which case the Government will have to take immediate steps to proclaim the district a goldfield. A party of men obtained 6£- ozs. in two weeks, and seem favorably impressed with their prospects. Rain is the great thing the diggers have to fear, as the slight rain during the week interfered sadly with the next day's work. Two or three Blenheim storekeepers have already opened branches on the ground.

Nelson, March 11

A cricket match was played to-day between a Nelson eleven and twenty-two representatives attending the rifle meeting. The former won by 69 runs, scoring 108 against 30 of the representatives. Lieutenant Somerville was Captain of the latter, and Mr. Halliday of the local eleven. After the match, Captain Thompson, of Wellington, on behalf of the members attending the association meeting, presented Mr. Halliday, who had charge of the telegraph station at the camp, with a handsome gold locket, engraved with monogram. Captain Thompson spoke of the obliging disposition of Mr. Halliday, and the kindly feeling between him and the representatives. Mr. Halliday suitably returned thanks to the representatives for their present, the donation of which he said took him by surprise.

March 12

The volunteer representatives, with very few exceptions, have just left per s.s. Wellington for their respective homes, that vessel having been put on to call at Wellington on the way to Taranaki and North, in consequence of the detention of the Waitaki at Manukau bar. All the men express themselves delighted with their reception, and the ball given last night in their honor was a great success.

March 15

Major Stack, well known throughout the colony as a commanding officer of volunteers, died here on Saturday evening. He will be buried this afternoon with military honors.

Westport, March 11

The Minister for Public Works arrived here this morning, and leaves for Greymouth via Reefton to-morrow.

Greymouth, March 15

The first crushing 1 of Boases' claim, Langton's reef, is finished. 100 tons of quartz and 30 or 40 tons of mullock were put through, with a result of 51 ounces of retorted gold.

Chuistchdrch, March 11

After contributions to hospit-il and charitable aid have been deducted from Christchurch share of grant to municipalities, there remains only £620 as its subsidy for the six months ending June 30 next.

An inquiry was held to-day before SubInspector O'Donnell into alleged case against Constable Carah, of assaulting a woman referred to yesterday, and the depositions taken will be sent to Wellington at once. The constable is suspended in the meantime. A committee of unemployed interviewed Mr. Austin, District Railway Engineer, from whom they learned that work would be provided for all applicants on a stated scale on the Northern railway works, on Saturday morning. Passes will be issued to Waikari to all who may apply. A horse and dray, the property of Mr. J. Graham, Lyttelton, fell over the bank in St. David-street, opposite Captain Wood's house, into the pound below yesterday. The dray was broken to pieces, and the horse killed.

March 12.

The criminal libel action, G. G. Stead v. Otago Witness Company, will be heard at the Christchurch Resident Magistrate's Court oa Friday next. The Tramway Company have been obliged to discontinue running on account of some difficulty with the rails. For the last two days men have been at work trying to remedy the defect, which is principally at the curves. This was caused by the rails having to be bent here without proper appliances, the original ones having been lost in the Knowaley Hall. When the cara really will run is uncertain. The S.W. gale which blew yesterday was more severely felt in Lyttelton than for years past, and is said to surpass the storm of last June, when the mishap to the barque Bells occurred. The tug was kept in readiness, and extra moorings employed to keep vessels at the outer end of Gladstone Pier. There was no damage to the shipping, either at the wharves or breastwork. The Margaret Galbraitb, Western Monarch, Iris, and Magellan dropped additional auchors, and rode out the gale safely, which was squally and most severe from half-past 12 to 2 yesterday forenoon, the sea breaking over 40 feet high at the North Head.

March 13.

Up to the present only 732 dogs have been registered for Christchurch, or little more than one-half of the number registered last year. The work of summonsing has commenced. About 200 men attended at the Public Works Office this morning, and placed their names on the list of applicants for employment at the Waikari extension. As the Government had only forwarded a limited number of passes, the Engineer was not enabled to issue more than 80 to-day, but the necessary number will be received at the beginning of the week. An opportunity will be given the men to erect whares for their families, and temporary work will be provided until the return of the Government Engineer from Dunedin, whither he proceeds to arrange a scale of wages for those employed on public works, which shall be uniform throughout the colony. A few of those who received passes went up to Waikari to-day, and the rest will go North on Monday morning. The district prize firing for this season was opened this morning by the E Battery of Artillery. Eighteen members attended, and the prize was taken ny Corporal Sinclair, with a score of 63 points, Sergeant Hill coming next with 62.

The Elaiapoi Farmers' Club hold a grain, root, and foal show about the Bth April.

- March 15.

The Lands Commission is still sitting at Akaroa. Mr. Clarke presented an urgent petition from 300 natives of the Aparima, Southland, asking the Commissioners to hold a sitting there in order that they may be heard in connection with the purchase of the Murihaku block. The Commissioners decided to proceed to Aparima after finishing the investigation at Akaroa.

March 16

Mr. Blackwell's alternative water supply scheme was read at the Council meeting last night. "■ It proposes a system of turbine wheels pumping water from the river and artesian wells, through a system of mains and to a reservoir. There are three alternative plans of this description, at a cost of £106,000, £BO.OOO, and £73,000 respectively. The cost of maintenance of the last is £1960, and of the o'her two £IOOO. The £BO,OOO scheme is recommended.

The Arawata arrived with the San Francisco mail at six this morning.

At the pupil teachers' examination to-day, seventy-one girls and thirty-one boys presented themselves.

Ashbubton, March 12.

The libel case against Ivess, printer, is being heard to-day at the Resident Magistrate's Court. An article published in Ivess' paper accused Crisp, the Borough solicitor, of extorting money from defaulting ratepayers, by charging six shillings for writing letters asking payment of rates due. Ivess is conducting his own case, and a large number of witnesses are to be examined. The Court is crowded, and the case is creating much interest.

March 13.

The case of criminal libel against Ivess is still proceeding. He has announced seven more witnesses to examine, but the Resident Magistrate has refused any further simply corroborative evidence, and announced that a prima, facie case exists, unless new evidence throws fresh light on the case, which will not be finished till late in the afternoon.

March 15.

The hearing of the charge of libel against Mr. J. Ivess, proprietor of the Ashhurtcn Mail, was concluded on Saturday. The defendant was committed for trial, but admitted to bail on his own recognisances.

TIMABU, March 12.

One of the heaviest S.E. seas experienced here for many months past was running today. "Vessels rode safely, and not the slightest damage was done to the breakwater, which now shelters a large portion of the bay. The harbor works are being extended at an average rate of 18 feet per week.

March 15

A numerously and influentially signed petition has been forwarded to his Excellency the Governor in favor of the release of A. Sims, a merchant, who, at the last session of the District Court, was sentenced to three months' imprisonment without hard labor for larceny of goods belonging to the National Bank. In this case the jury twice returned a verdict of guilty but with no fraudulent intent, and a third time a verdict of guilty. March 16.

A case of larceny of eight hundred sheep, brought against George Orr, representing the firm of Meek, millers, Oamaru, was dismissed, after occupying the Bench two days. The sheep had been sold by Scott, formerly a partner with Meek, and the latter, believing the sale to be fraudulent, instructed Orr to seize them, pending appointment by the Supreme Court of a person to receive disputed partnership property. Detective Kerby made a very smart arrest to-day of one Henry Thomas Read, who has been wanted since October, 1877, for embezzlement of £l5O belonging to the Warrnambool Building Society, in Victoria, of which he was secretary. Read, since that date, has paid a visit to England, and arrived here about four months ago, and up to within a few days since he was librarian to the Timaru Mechanics' Institute.

Oamaru, March 12

A fire broke out this morning in Thamesstreet, and destroyed several wooden buildings, a boarding-house, Roughton and Pocklington's wholesale boot manufacturers' premises, Feyre's furniture shop, and an unoccupied shop, all the property of George Sumpter. Roughton and Pocklington's, and Feyer's stocks are entirely destroyed. The greater part of the furniture of the boarding-house is burned, as also part of the furniture in the store adjoining, which was gutted. Total insurance : New Zealand, £llOO ; South British, £450; Liverpool London and Globe, £4OO ; South British, £2OO.

Dunedin, March 11

The police have arrested Ernest Sydney James and Henry Conway, two boys concerned in the robbery of jewellery last week, and they stand remanded till Monday.

The Resident Magistrate has practically dismissed the information against the West Harbor Councillors.

The Star says that the person who has been running down the colony in the columns of an Irish paper called the Ballymena Advertiser, is a member of the Civil Service.

Mr. Stewart, M.H.R., to-day received the following telegram from the Colonial Secretary :—"The Acting-Minister for Public Works, I am informed, has instructed Mr. Blair to intimate that work on the Hindon section (Otago Central Railway) is open to men wanting employment, at rates by which ordinary men can earn 28s. per week. Tenders will be called for rationing them, so that the Government be satisfied that there is a fair surplus for family and other uses. The tools to be paid for by the men, but the cost will be repaid on their leaving the work in good order, deducting a fair amount for the wear and tear. —(Signed) Thos. Dick." The Harbor Boaid at its monthly meeting this afternoon appointed Mr. D. L. Simpson, engineer to the Board, at a salary of £SOO a year. The expenditure on the Dunedin Hospital during 1879 was £5740. At Kempthorne and Prosser's meeting it was stated that of 10,000 shares sent to London, 5855 had been taken up. After floating the remainder no more are to be issued. A letter was read from Lyttelton shareholders disapproving of the entire goodwill being written off in the first year, and suggesting that £2500 only, and a declaration of 7 per cent, dividend. The proposition was negatived. The retiring directors were re-elected. March 12.

Judge Johnston takes the Waimate bush fire cases next week, Major Williams taking the West Coast circuit.

Arrangements have been made for conveyance of Ordnance Corps to Christchurch Review. They will leave by special train on the 25th instant. The Dunedin Naval Brigade take their own tents and provide their own commissariat.

March 13.

Mr. Justice Johnston will take the Waimate bush fire cases, the trial of which will com. meuce on Monday morning. Mr. Justice Williams left for Hokitika this morning, to attend the West Coast Circuit sittings. The dwelling-house of Mr. Stamper ; solicitor, corner of High and Alva-streets, was burned down early this morning. The only insurance was £6oo in the South British, which will not cover the loss. Nothing is known as to the origin of the fire. A meeting of about 500 of the unemployed •o-day resolved not to accept less than 7s. per day, and decided to forward a petition to the Government expressing unwillingness to accept the terms offered.

March 15.

A memorial from the working men of Otago, comprising a number of the unemployed, has already received about 500 signatures. The men contend that the payment offered by the Government is too low, and ask the Government to provide work immediately for those who like to accept 7s. per day. They also ask that a small section should be let by tender, at fixed amounts. The case Theobold v. Studholm, an action to recover £IOOO damages for losses sustained by plaintiff through the destruction of his property by a large fire at Waimate on November 15, 1878, which fire, it is alleged, was caused by the negligence of defendant's servants, commenced in the Supreme Court to-day. Defendant pleads that the plaintiff is not the possessor of the land in respect to which he claims ; and further, that he is not guilty of the grievances complained against. The case is likely to last the whole week.

March 16.

A trout, 201 b. weight, 32in. long, and 31in. in girth, said to be the largest yet caught in the colony, was taken with a minnow bait, on the Upper Taieri to-day, by Mr. Dryden Griev.

Invercargill, March 11

Messrs. Guthrie and Larnach's large sawmills at Woodend, near Invercargill, were burned down this morning. The mill was all safe at eleven o'clock last night. The flames were first discovered at five o'clock this morning. The main building, with the smithy, saw sharpening, and locomotive sheds attached are all in ashes. The plant was the most complete of any Southland mill, and included a 40-horse power engine, three of the newest patent iron saw-benches, plaining, moulding, and tennoning machines, &c, all destroyed. _ Also locomotive in locomotive shed in main building. Twenty thousand feet of dressed timber were burneJ. Insurances—ln British and Mercan-

tile, £250 ; building, £SOO. MachineryTransatlantic, £250 ; machinery, £SOO. Plans, New Zealand, £7OO ; building, £6OO ; machinery, £2OO ; engine, South British, £IOOO ; engine and machinery, £SOO of last amount reinsured. The foregoing are all the insurances known here. Mr. McPherson, the manager, has, however, £3O in the Transatlantic on his own private tools. The fire throws 45 persons out of employment. March 16.

A butcher named Cholsey died suddenly at Riverton to-day. He had been drinking heavily of late.