TELEGRAPHIC.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 889, 15 March 1889, Page 27

TELEGRAPHIC.

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Dunedin, March 7. At the annual meeting ot the Colonial Mutual Insurance Association yesterday the Melbourne Directors reported that the new business of the past year amounted to £1,762,821, The annual income is now over £300,000, and the funds for investment exceed £BOO,OOO. Mr Stewart, M.H.K, has received a telegrata Btating that the Defenoe Department have not the Hinemoa ready for the conveyance of the Southern Volunteers to the Blenheim meeting. Assays have been made by the Bank of New Zealand of toe recent tin discoveries on Stewart Island by Mr Robertson, whioh are quite distinct from those with which Professor Black is associated. A sample of undressed ore gave a button of 30gr, represent, ing a yield of 30 per cent of tin. A sample of the same ore, well dressed, gave a button of 66gr, representing 66 per cent of tin. These compare favourably with the 15 samples assayed in New South Wales. The ore from which they were taken also contained what would be considered an excellent prospect of scaly gold, the other minerals being chiefly titaniferous iron with numerous small garnets. Hokitika, March 7.

A man named Robert J. Smith sustained a fatal accident in a shaft yesterday. While engaged in prospecting near the loop-line deceased and his mate found the rope used too short, and borrowed another from a neighbour. His mat e thought the rope not strong enough, but Smith resolved to try. When down about 50ft the rope broke, and the unfortunate man fell the remaining 50ft to the bottom, being very much Injured. He was got out after some time, and died whilst being conveyed to the hospital. There is a small rush at Three-mile Creek. There are payable prospects, but the field is limited. Reefton, Maroh 7. Quigley’s Rainbow Hotel, situate in the suburbs of the town, was destroyed by fire at 5 this morning. It was insured for £2OO in the Standard office. The loss is £IOOO. The outbreak originated in a defective mantelpiece. The occupants all escaped in their night-clothes, and not a shred of anything was saved. Nelson, Maroh 7. An old two-roomed cottage in Cambriastreet was burned down at 3 this morning. It was occupied by James Roth well, and owned by Mr Fairhall. Blenheim, March 7. Captain Somerville finished laying out the range to-day. The locality is a capital one. The distance from Blenheim, by a splendid road, is under three miles. The buildings belonging to the Marlborough Racing Club have been placed at the disposal of the Association. There Is a grand supply of artesian water, and Captain Somerville thinks the meeting will be one of the best the Association has ever held. Christchurch, March 7. At an extraordinary general meeting of the Welcome Silver Mining Company to-night it was decided to suspend further operations at Owens till some future date. A general feeling of dissatisfaction was expressed at the working, no galena having been gob out, and the meeting deemed it probable that if the operations were suspended, the other companies interested in the neighbouring mines would combine to secure a complete geological test of the country. The largest horticultural show held in Christchurch opened at the Palace Rink today. There is an extensive display in all classes, the pot plants being exceedingly good. The attendance in the evening was very large. Bishop Selwyn denies the statement telegraphed from Auckland that he has received a legacy of between £50,000 and £60,000. Christchurch, March B.'

A telegram from Akaroa this afternoon Btates that a serious bush fire is raging there. Mr H. Aylmer’s run has been swept. He lost many sheep. Knox’s farm was also swept, the house being but just saved, although scorched. The fire|israpidly spreading toward Toss will’s and Hay’s runs. At Barry’s Bay, Chatfield and Hay’s grass and bush are on fire. At Little River the Watkins bush is burning. A north-west gale is spreading the fires in every direction. Unless we have rain it will be a serious look out, as the country i 3 very dry. The Canterbury Acclimatisation Society to-day fixed the dates for openiug aud closing the shooting season as follows : —Native game, March 30 to June 30 ; pheasants and quail, May 1 to June 30 ; hares, March 30 to July 31, both days inclusive. A sub-com-mittee was appointed to draft an application to tbe Government for Canterbury’s share of the salmon ova about to arrive in the Colony, the same having previously been declined on the ground that they were intended for the Aparima river in Southland. It was reported that several healthy young salmon were found when recently cleaning out the ponds. A well-attended meeting of consignees to-day passed the following resolutions : *' That the attention of the Railway Commissioners be respectfully invited to the urgent necessity for providing sufficient shed accommodation at Christchurch to admit of the work of the Customs examiners being done there instead of at Lyttelton, where the doing of this work involves extra expense to the consignees and delays in the delivery of goods.” “ That the Commissioners be respectfully requested to consider the justice of making some reduction upon the rate of 5s per ton charged upon goods carried on tbe Lyttelton and Christchurch line, such charge being about 25 per cent per mile in excess of the rate charged on the Dunedin and Port Chalmers line.” “ That the attention of the Government be drawn to the vexatious aad arbitrary measures adopted at Lyttelton in respect of debatable ques-

tions arising out of the interpretation of the Customs tariff.’

Hokitika, March S.

About 100 miners visited the Three-mile rush yesterday. The extent of the ground is not yet known. The prospects show small wages. There was a heavy gale to-day, and the rivers are flooded. Blenheim, March 8. Over £IOO has already been subscribed by the townspeople for the Marlborough Match at the N.Z.R.A. Meeting. It is expected that another £SO will be raised. Dunedin, March 8. At the Resident Magistrate’s Court, Havard, the caretaker of the Silverstream Water-race, sued Alexander Sutherland, headmaster of the Whare Flat School, claiming £2O damages for alleged assault on plaintiff’s daughter. The evidence for plaintiff having been heard, Mr Solomon, for defen. dant, applied for a nonsuit ou the ground that the case was not made out. Mr Carew, R.M., held a similar view, aud dismissed the case, with costs £4 183. Mr T. Fergus promises £2OO to the Otago Volunteers if they desire to hold an Easter encampment. Mr D. Rees, on behalf of the Canterbury draught players, writes that it is impossible the interprovincial draughts match can take place at Easter, but suggests that it should be held at the Exhibition time, when a big tourney, open to the Colony, can take place. An inquest was held at Tuapeka touching the death of a man whose name is unknown. He is believed to have come from the North, and had been harvesting before at Oamaru. While at work harvesting on the farm of Henry Baird, ho fell and died shortly afterward, death resulting from venous congestion of the brain. Nothing whatever was found to lead to his identification. In the swag were three photographs, one being his own, taken by Mr J. Oliver White. Deceased appeared about 45 or 50 years of age, and about sft 7in in height, of medium build, brown hair, moustache and whiskers turning grey. A cabman recovered 35s damage from the Mornlngton Tramway Company for damage caused to a cab drawn up alongside the path by a dummy car striking the cab in passing. For the plaintiff, stress was laid on the cars not observing the rnle of the road in running on the line.

The produce trade between this Colony and New South Wales having developed largely of late, the Union Company have found it necessary to secure more wharfage accommodation at Sydney. The Company has obtained the lease of a fine property fronting Druitt-street, just above the Pyrmont Bridge, and are about to erect extensive wharfage accommodation, which is expected to be available for this grain season. The site is in the immediate neighbourhood of all the produce places of business. The present wharf and premises will also be maintained. Timaru, March 8.

Dr Bernard Sloane Lawson, late of tha s.s. Tongariro, has been selected from five to be resident surgeon of Timaru Hospital. Invercargill, March 8.

Since the now year the weather has been exceptionally fine, and harvest prospects are good. This, with the probability of a great outside demand at high rates, is making the farmers jubilant. A very large area is under crop, principally oats, and settlement appears to have received a fresh impetus. The turnip crop is exceedingly good, so that the outlook for stock is of the best. Large blocks of land are being secured for the flax industry, which is likely to assume considerable dimensions, as the flax is in abundance. Many people now believe that tin mining will speedily be in full swing at Stewart Island, and this, with the development of gold-mining in various quarters, is causing business people to take a hopeful view of the situation. Already a general improvement in trade is noted.

Nelson, March 8, At the annual meeting of the Nelson Chamber of Commerce Mr J. H. Cock delivered an able address, referring to the improved prospects of the Colony and district. He considered the new tariff had had an unexpected advantage in leading to increased thrift, and that the economies now being practised in public and private, combined with the increased production of the Colony, must soon restore its credit fully. He viewed with great satisfaction the largelyincreasing exports of the Colony, now two millions in excess of the imports, and gave a number of interesting statistics. Mr Icelanders and others spoke of the bad odour in which the Colony stands at Home in consequence of itH indebtedness, and a resolution as follows was carried unanimously :—“That it be an instruction to the Committea to use their best influence during the coming year to prevent any increase to the public debt of New Zealand.

Feilding, March 9.

Two flax mills are hard at work here, and the Borough Council will receive about £2OO royalty on flax this season.

Dunedin, .March 10

At a meeting called oa Saturday to eon. sider the bags question there was a good attendance of farmers but only one broker. The meeting was adjourned to Mosgiel, one speaker remarking that if the brokers did not attend the meeting the question would be settled without them, as the farmers were determined to get a price for bags, instead of having them weighed in. Christchurch, March 10.

David Orange, a fellmonger at Woolston, died this morning from the effects of taking two bottles of chlorodyne. He was in financial trouble. Chief Commissioner McKerrow saw deputations this morning about providing accommodation for imported goods being examined by the Customs at Christchurch instead of Lyttelton, reducing the railage charges on the Lyttelton lino, and placing the charges on timber for shipment carried on the Little River lino ou an equality with the rates charged on other lines. He promised to consider all the matters with his colleagues. He leaves for Wellington to-night. The Volunteer authorities fixed the site for the .Easter camp on the plain, between the Waihui and Hurunui Rivers, on the Horsely Downs estate, about eighty miles from Christchurch.

The deputation tfrha asked Mr 0. Louisson, the Mayor, to preside a meeting expressing sympathy with Mr Parnell,- brave received the following reply: —"In reference to your request that I should preside over a meeting called for expressing sympa thy with Mr Parnell »Dd his colleagues, I have fcOneidetsd the matter carefully, and am of the opinion f expressed to you that it would not be advisable for as Mayor of Christchurch, to preside sit sfich tt meeting. Were I to do so, the immediate result would be that it would be telegraphed all over the Colony, and probably to England, that at the meeting presided over by the Mayor of Christchurch certain resolutions were passed unanimously. These resolutions would be taken as expressing the opinion of the citizens of Christchurch, and Ido not think that I have any right to bind the citizens to any resolutions passed which would be of an ex parte nature. Further, I think it inadvisable to introduce for public debate those questions which do not interest except sentimentally, and which are being discussed and fought out in another country with the bitterest animosity. I think when we come to this Colony, which has been so kind to ns, we should leave behind all questions of such nature, and should only bring with us a feeling of love and veneration for the country of our birth. I consider that my functions as Mayor are purely local and municipal; and although occasionally it becomes necessary to go beyond that in matters having provincial or even a colonial tendency, I do not think that I should be justified in introducing Home polities into our community officially. For tbe above reasons I trust you will excuse my inability to accede to your request, and I hope that such a rofusal will nob be considered by you as an expression of opinion on the merits of the subject you propose to discuss.” Oamaru, March 10. The Totara Estate woolshed was destroyed by tiro on Saturday morning early. Three men supposed to bo swaggers were observed to leave tho vicinity shortly before the fire broke out, and it is supposed they were smoking and thus caused the fire. The building was a large one, and at the time of the firo contained 49 tons of chaff, beside other articles. The insurance is £BOO in a Dunedin office. The name is nob at present known. Greymouth, March 9. Very heavy rain fell last night, and this morning the river was bank high. News from Ahaura reports a likelihood of a stiff flood thero, but the weather is breaking. The tramway manager at Teremakau wires A heavy flood in tho Teremakau River ; no cage traffic. Scott Bros., the contractors, lost 30fb of a cylinder, a pair of looks, a donkey engine and monkey, and 160 ft of staging and all the loose gear. Mr McKellar, secretary of the Customs, was interviewed by leading business men, who represented the inconvenience of the position of the present Customhouse, aud recommended that a new office be ereoted adjoining the post office as a more central site. The matter will be laid before the Ministers, the request being pub in writing. The Inspector expressed lii3 gratification at the way the Customs business was conducted, there being no complaints from the public. Auckland, March 11.

The steamer Penguin, from the South, arrived off Manukau bar about 3 a.m. on Sunday, and, crossing safely, steamed up the channel and passed Puponga Point. Captain Berneeh then steered for the anchorage ground, and kept tho lead line going till about daylight. Though tbe sounding had denoted plenty of water immediately previous, the steamer grounded on a small bank about nine miles from Onehunga wharf, of whose existence the captain was unaware. The engines were reversed and all efforts made to get the vessel off, but without avail. On information of the mishap reaching Onehunga the s.s. Manukau was sent down to the Penguin, and brought the passengers ashore. Efforts were made this morning to float the Penguin, but without avail. The Gairloch, when passing out on a voyage to New Plymouth at full tide, tried to tow the vessel off, but unsuccessfully. A further effort will be put forth in the morning at high water. Feilding, Maroh 11.

Yesterday morning two stacks of oats and a chaff-cutting machine, the property of Caldwell and Gregory, were burned. There is no insurance. The Feilding School Committee voted for Messrs Carson, Fry, and Ross, as members of the Wanganui Education Board. Wanganui, March 11. On Saturday night Mr T. Dawson, telegraphist, and Mr E. Newing, farmer, went out on a boating club tub floundering. The tub was found yesterday bottom up, and as the occupants have not been heard of since, it is supposed they have been drowned, especially as a coat found to-day has been recognised as Newing’s. Dawson has been in the service over 20 years, and has made a name for himself as the discoverer of the easiest route known to reach the top of Mount Egmont. Newing was a young man living at Slanaia, and was on a visit to Dawson. Woodville, March 11. The Central Agricultural and Pastoral Society proposed to be formed h6re is meeting with wide support. On Saturday the strong gale blowing spread the bush fires in the Maharahara district to such an extent that the homes of several settlers were in great danger. Fortunately rain fell in the afternoon and stopped the spread of the fire. Christchurch, March 11.

At the inquest on David Orange, who died on Saturday from an overdose of ohlorodyne, it was shown that deceased had been in the habit of drinking a small bottleful at one dose without effect, and had recently used larger sized bottles to induce sleep. The verdict was died from an overdose of poison, taken inadvertently. The jury commented on the indiscriminate sale of chlorodyne, and the coroner promised to bring the matter before the authorities.

There have been extensive grass fires on the port hills during the past few days. On Saturday afternoon Howell and Tap. ey’s slaughterhouse, near Lyttelton, had a

narrow escape. In the evening feh’e Maori pa at Raupaki was only saved after several’ hours’ hard work by the Natives aud settlers. A large quantity of grass and some bush were destroyed. In the night a northwest breeze drove the flames toward Lyttelton. Mr Gallagher’s house at Cass Bay was saved with difficulty.' This afternoon the fire appeared over the hills- above Dampier Bay, close to Lyttelton, The police Ulld firemen, with a number of Volunteers,, turned out, and after a course of hard work chOoked the progress of the fire toward town/ A considerable number of sheep are supposed .to' have perished. Mr W. M.L.C., has consented to preside at the meeting expressing sympathy with Mr Parnell.

Dunedin, March 11. Thirty-one entries have been received from Dunedin for tho New Zealand Rifle Association Meeting at Blenheim. Teams will be entered by the North Dunedin and West Taieri Rifles.

At a meeting of the Exhibition Commission it Was resolved to call for tenders for the building in all the principal towns as well as in Dunedin. The Canterbury Committee are to be requested to' nominate an additional four Commissioners. Mr Justice Williams ieft for Oamaru to hold the half-yearly sittings there. Two of the accused were committed on the 15th September, and have therefore been awaiting trial neaily six months. Another animated meeting of the honorary medical staff was held this evening. Resolutions were carried affirming the desirableness of thereformsadvooated by Dr Batchelor before the Trustees, and oxpressing confidence in the Hospital Trustees, and hoping they would continue to work harmoniously with the staff in the improvement of the Hospital, and finally regretting that Dr Batchelot should have taken active action, as he did individually, without consulting the staff.

At the swimming tournament W. Crow (Telegraph Department) was in rare form, winning the 200yds event aDd afterward the 400yds championship from Talbot (Telegraph), the previous champion, by 25yds. Crow won the Maiden Race on the previous Saturday, Greymouth, March 11. The Reefton returns are—Keep-it-Dark, 3390 z amalgam from 168 tons of stone; Globe, ISIoz amalgam from 170 tons of stone ; Welcome, 2820 z amalgam from 38 tons stone. During Friday night last 4Ain of rain fell in six hours. Only once in many years has a similar heavy fall been known. Westport, March 11.

Heavy rain fell and all the rivers were flooded on Friday and Saturday. No damage ia reported. It was fine yesterday. Reeeton, March 11.

The Colonial Bank notify to-day that they will open a branch here on the 20th instant. Blenheim, March 11.

The New Zealand LUfle Association ar* rangements are in a forward state for the meeting. Arrangements are not yet made with the Union Company for a steamer to convey the Northern Volunteers to Picton, but Captain Somerville hopes to arrange. The party of men who have been engaged for several months past killing wild sheep at the Tophouse have been disbanded, in consequence of having apparently exterminated the animals. Some time ago, the sheep which were known to bo infected with scab strayed into the back country, and were supposed to have spread the infection to other wild sheep at the time. These came down and mixed with the settlers’ flocks in the vicinity, aDd for that reason the Government decided to exterminate all the wild sheep in the district. Tire party killed 130 S sheep

Nelson, March 11. A fire broke out in an eight-roomed house in Colliugwood-street to-night. The building was occupied by Mrs Levien, a widow, with ten children, and only a girl of 11 and a child, aged three were in the place at the time, the latter being in bed. A candle having been left in the room, it is supposed the child upset the candle. The elder girl rescued the little one, but was severely burnt about the arms in doing so. The house being old and wooden, the fire spread very rapidly. Within two minutes of the alarm of the fire, the Brigade had the water on and saved the attached buildings A piano and furniture, to the value of £BO in all, was saved, but it is estimated the value of the contents was £3OO. There was no insurance. £25 in notes was saved. The house was insured in the Liverpool and London office for £l5O. The finest stag shot this season was shown to-day. It weighed over 4001bs, its antlers having eleven joints. Auckland, March 12.

Mr Hamlin, addressing his constituents at Papakura last night, said in reference to hospital and charitable aid he would lfke to see a Bill abolishing tbo piesent Act, and the whole cost and charges thrown on the consolidated revenue ; and this, he understood, was what the Premier intended to propose. He got a vote of confidence.

Lord Onalow is to be asked, on arrival here, to lay the foundation stone of the Oostley Home for the aged poor. Melrose Hall and grounds, at Remnera, the residence of Mr A. E. Isaacs (of the firm of E. and A. Isaacs) was offered for sale today by G. Lewis. Bidding was started at £4OOO, and rose slowly to £6OOO, at which price the property was passed in. The steamer Penguin has not yet been floated. „ R. F. Roth was charged to-day at the Police Court on the information of the Colonial Insurance Company with making a false declaration in respect of property destroyed at the recent lire at bis premises in Victoria-street East. The case was adjourned till Tuesday. The annual meeting of the Hew Zealand Alliance was held to-day, when Sir W. Fox was re-elected President. Resolutions wore agreed to affirming the constitutional right of the people to suppress the liquor traffic, and urging that the exerciso of the direct veto be absolutely unfettered, and expressing an opinion that compensation to liquor sellers was contrary to political equity, social justice, and British [law, and regretting the proposition for the establishment of State distilleries.

The annual meeting of the colonial shareholders of the New Zealand send River Plate Land Mortgage Company waß held, when Messrs J. L. Wilson and G- W» Owen wsre re-electc3 Directors aud A. Hoardman Auditor.

Nelson, March 12. The Ladies’ Roman Catholic High School was completely destroyed by fire this eveniug shortly after 9 o'clock. The pupilf-, numbering 13, had just gone to bed, and there was only one light in the building, agas in the corridor. The fire originated in a foom in which the pupils’ wardrobes are kept, and there had been no lights in thi& room during the evening. The building,, which was of considerable size, was burnt down to the ground. Three pianos and a few pictures were the only things saved. ThepupiiK were awakened by the sister in charge, and just escaped, not having time to dress. It is not known whether the building was insured, as the Mother Superior is away iu Auckland. The High School was isolated, being some distance from the Girls’ Orphanage;, the church, and presbytery. A north-wesb gale was blowing at the time, and in a few minutes from the outbreak tha building was enveloped in flames. The loss will be considerable, as it is known that the furniture and ti*e pupils' effects were uninsured. Christchurch, March 12.

Mr Justice penniston sat, for the first time in Christchurch, this morning in Bankruptcy. There was st large gathering os barristers to welcome the new Judge. Mr T. S. Weston, off behalf of the Bar, congratulated him on his promotion. His Honor suitably replied. Albert Wells was remanded to Auckland to-day on a charge of stealing three diamond, rings, the property of Carl Kohn. This afternoon some hundreds of acres or feed, extensive plantations, and fencing round 400 acres, were burned at Mr J. S. White’s estates at Ohoka. The house wa3 only saved by the great exertions of a large number of men, two of whom were badly burnt. Dr Deamer, one of the oldest medical men here, died rather suddenly this evening, it is supposed from apoplexy. Latex:. Dr Deamer, at the time of his fatal seizure, was attending a meeting of the MedicaP Society. He suddenly fell to the ground and) died immediately. He wae 59 years oldHo arrived here in 1863. He was a prominent Mason, and the only one in Christchurch who received the 33rd degree, which was conferred on him ten years ago during a visit to England, by the Prince of Waits. He received the appointment of Past Director of Ceremonies to the Grand Lodge of England in celebration of Her Majesty’s Jubilee. He was admitted to the Order o£ Knight Templars, and opened the first preceptory here. Dunedin, March 12. The Colonial Bank’s net profits for the half-year are £16,102. A 7 per cent, dividend is recommended, absorbing £24,000, and leaving £4419 to be carried forward. Eight boxes of salmon, containing 58,000 eggs, brought by the Arawa, have arrived in fine condition. They were under the oare of Mr C. Young, the chief engineer. A commuuuioation from Mr Jouberfc, manager of the Exhibition, intimates that the manufacturers of Victoria aud New South Wales are likely to be very largely represented. Heavy rain commenced to fall at 6 o’clock and has continued ever since. This puts an end to the water famine, which was becoming very severe In the suburbs. Most of the crops on tha Taieri have been cut, aud any slight damage by the rain will be more than compensated for by the growth of feed. Hokitika, March 12. A curious complication has arisen over the Kumara racecourse. The Kumara Borough Council expended £I2OO of the borough funds for making a racecourse on a reserve not their property. It was simply gazetted “withdrawn frxm goldfields.” They have also leased the reserve to the Jockey Club for 21 years, and given various rights over it. The matter was brought before the AuditorGeneral, who already passed £IOOO of the expenditure, but is now instituting a searching inquiry. It seem 3 that the AuditorGeneral was a little careless in passing the first £IOOO. He will probably surchargo the Councillors. Invercargill, March 12. The Bluff Harbour Board have resolved that sawn timber, which hitherto has been exported free of dues, shall, after the lapse of three months, be charged Id per 100 ft. Mr H. W. Highan was appointed second pilot. The salary of the Board’s secretary (Mr Conyers) was increased by £25 per annum. Some discussion arose on the application for a license for the s.s. Despatch to act as a tug, several members being inclined to postpone consideration, as the Board have recently acquired at a high cost a tug for the harbour work. It was pointed out that the Board could not refuse a license, and it was granted.

Advice to Mothers ! —Are yon broken in your rest by a sick child suffering with the pain of cutting teeth ? Go at once to a chemist and get a bottle of Mrs Winslow’s Soothing Syrup. It will relieve the poor sufferer immediately. It ia perfectly harmless and pleasant to taste, it produces natural, quiet sleep, by relieving the child from pain, and the little cherub awakes ‘as bright as a button,’ It soothes the child, it softens the gums, allays all pain, relieves wind, regulates the bowels, and is the best known remedy for dysentery and diarrhoea, whether arising from teething or other causes. Mrs Winslow’s Soothing Syrup is sold by Medicine dealers everywhere at Is lj-d per bottle.

Valuable Discovery pop. the Hair.—lf your hair is turning grey or white, or falling off, use ‘ The Mexican Hair Ronuwor,’ for it will positively restore in every ease Grey or White hair to its original colour without leaving the disagreeable smell of most ‘Restorers.’ It makes the hair charmingly beautiful, a 3 well as promoting the growth of the hair on bald spots, where the glands are not decayed. Ask your chemist for ‘The Mexican Hair Renewer,’ sold by Chemists and Perfumers everywhere, at 3s Gd per btttle. Wholesale depot, 33 Farrington Road, London, England. —Advt.