TELEGRAPHIC.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 932, 10 January 1890, Page 26

TELEGRAPHIC.

(PE« PRESS association.) Blenheim, January 2. The Picton regatta w<;s a great success as to attendance. The principal event, the senior four-oared race, was won easily by the Wellington Club’s crew. The form of that visiting crew w»a greatly admired. The Catholic bazaar at Picton was a splendid success. Dunedin, January 3. The Rev A. P. Davison, of the Free Church, Munster, near Peterhead, has accepted a call »s Mr Stewart’s successor’. John H. Stephenson, son of the wellknown auctioneer, died this morning of inflammation of the bowels resulting from cold caught at Tnkomairiro races. Deceased was an ardent athlete, representing the province in the football field on several occasions. The annual report of the Benevolent Institution shows that the total number relieved during the year was 3145. a decrease of 905 as compared with the preceding year. The number received into the institution was 166, and the number discharged 176, leaving at tho end of the year 179. There were 33 deaths during the year. The weekly average was 190, which gives an average charge of 53 per head per weak. The amount disbursed for outdoor roiief wss £6742. The cost has steadily increased since 1885, but as this jp ear is lower by £375 than last year, the Trustees express a hope that the tide has turned. Dunedin, January 4. A woman.named Annie Morris was committed for trial to-day for robbing a Marlborough miner named Harry Grattan, who was on a visit here, of notes and gold specimens valued at £23. Mr Donald Stronach retires from the local management of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, and is to be succeeded by Mr W. T. Dodds, the Company’s branch visiting officer. Probate in the late G. Ashcroft’s estate has been granted to the widow. The amount is £ISOO, consisting exclusively of insurances. Dunedin, January 6. Mr Greenwood, Commissioner of Crown Lands in Nelson, has been appointed Temporary Warden of the Mount Ida district. The Snnrise Company sent down a cake of 3220 z gold from 148 tons of stuff. Mr J. B. Patterson, Commissioner of Tradeß and Customs for Victoria, leaves for the North to-morrow with his daughter. He intends to visit the Hot Lakes district and other places of interest. Mr T. Fergus promised to-day to give every assistance he could to the proposed Mining Conference to be held before the Exhibition closed. He leaves for the North to-morrow. Dunedin, January 7. Bishop Moran proceeds to Sydney to assist at the consecration of the Cathedral there. Timaru, January 2. The rainfall hero for December was 1.37 inches, and that for all 1889 was 15.04 inches —about half the average. Notwithstanding the small rainfall, the last year has been favourable for agriculture. Timaru, January 4. The Evening Mail, started here by Mr Ivess about two years ago, has ceased pub lioation. Timaru, January 6. A case of puerperal fever wa3 brought to the hospital from Temuka on Friday, the husband bringing a letter from a Temuka doctor that the case was of that nature. Admission was refused by the authorities, wh© procured private accommodation and sent for a special medical attendant from Dnnedin. Timaru, January 7. The Irish Delegates’ Reception Committee held their final meeting to night. The treasurer reported that the sum of £269 7s 6d had been subscribed in Timaru, and that a draft for £250 had been sent Home. Kaikoura, January 2. A contest for the light-weight championship of New Zealand took place here last night between T. Williams, holder of the title, and A. Francis. In the fifth round the referee gave his decision in favour of Williams on a foul. After the second round Francis had all the best of the encounter. The spectators cheered Francis to the eeho. Invercargill, January 2. About 4000 went to the Bluff regatta and Volunteer picnic to-day. The weather was boisterous, and interfered with the events of the programme. The Nautilus won the yacht race by a few seconds from Heather Bell, which came in first, but gave the former 10 minutes’ start. The performances of ‘‘Rob Roy,”gotupby the Caledonian Society and played by amateurs, have attracted immense audiences. Invercargill, January 6. The Mararoa arrived at the Bluff to-day with 158 passengers. Auckland, January 2. The Jubilee Celebration Committee have declined the offer of the Auckland Racing Club to contribute £IOO toward the funds of the celebration on condition than the Club were allowed to hold a race meeting on Thursday of the Jubilee weok. The Club have notwithstanding thi3 resolved to hold the meeting. A notable Maori chief named Hone Wai Tere lias dipd at the settlement of his son near Kibikihi, He was the oldest chief of the Ngatimaniapofco tribe, and was a brave warrior in the tribal waia rpany years ago. A scheme for lowering Lake Ngaroto and two other lakes in the Waikato, and thus reclaiming about 2000 acroa of good swamp land is mooted. A recent Volunteer match in which Clark’s belt was won by Volunteer Dore is likely to become the subject of litigation. Dore was disqualified by Colonel Shepherd in conse. quence of alleged breach of the conditions, nnd the belt was awarded to Bombardier Doughty, but as the Onehunga Rifle Corps, of which Dore is a member, are dissatisfied, it is said that the legality of this deoision will be tested. Auckland, January 5. Twenty-four South Californian foxes were on board the steamer Zealandia consigned to the Government. There was some doubt &s

to their destination, and Sir James Hector was communicated with. He replied stating that the foxes had been sent contrary to instructions. As this class of animal is “vermin,” the Government ordered that the foxes should not be permitted to land, and they were accordingly taken on to Sydney by the steamer at the command of the Collector of Customs. Auckland, January 6. About 20 minah birds, brought from San Francisco by the Zealandia, were sent to Fiji on board the Omapere for the Sugar Company’s plantation. The birds are intended to destroy the beetles and other insect pests. A report of a visit made to Avondale Lunatic Asylum has been made by Mr F. G. Ewington, who pays a great compliment to Dr King and his staff of attendants for their care. He found the institution in splendid order. The choir of St Patrick’s Cathedral presented their conductor, the Rev Dr Egan, with a handsome album yesterday morning. Mr Knox, conductor of St Benedict’s, was also presented yesterday, with a photographic shield of the members of his choir. At a public contest of reapers and binders, held at Mangare, five machines competed. The first prize was awarded to the Brandford and the second to the Reid and Gray machines, the others being commended. The lease of the extensive Kaingaroa plains has been acquired from the Government by Jonathan Brown, a Tauranga settler, and he has just placed a mob of 4000 sheep upon the property. Auckland, January 7. For the position of assistant master at the Auckland Grammar School, vacated by Mr Kirby, the Rev J. K. Davis, M. A., Auckland, has been chosen. Mr T. Peacock, M.H.R., has returned from his visit to Europe. Wanganui, January 3. Mr Ballance says there is a misunderstanding about the chess tournament. He only consented to play if in Dunedin at the time of the tournament. Christchurch, January 3. Mr William Thomson was elected to-day for South Ward in the City Council, in place of Mr Morning, elected to the mayoralty. Christchurch, January 4. The Railway Fire Brigade will be unable to attend the demonstration at Dunedin. Several old firemen have intimated that they will take the place of the Christchurch Brigade when away. Last evening Mr G, Park and his brother, of Hokitika, arrived at Kaiapoi, having accomplished the journey in canoes. They ascended the Teremakau River, carried the canoes across the saddle, came down the Huiunui River to the sea, and from thence to Kaiapoi by sea. They propose to go on to Lyttelton if the weather is favourable. January Mr Park, the canoeist, has continued his voyage, leaving Kaiapoi on Saturday at 9 a.m. and arriving at Lyttelton on Sunday at 6 p.m. The City Council has Rent in a claim for £IOO for the services of the chemical engine, firemen, and material in extinguishing the fire on board the BeltaDa. A six days’ bicycle competition was opened to-night at the Palace Rink. Seven riders started, and rode for two hours. W. J. S. Hayward did 32 miles 377 yards in that time. Some very game racing was shown. Christchurch, January 7. The tender of J. Anderson for the construction of tho first section of the Midland Railway at Spring-field has been accepted. The total cost is £60,000. A number of booksellers have to appear before the Resident Magistrate’s Court tomorrow on a charge of selling polluted literature. Napier, January?. A tremendous gale is blowing here, with heavy sea and rain,

Greymouth, January 7. At to-day’s cattle sale, WaDganui beasts averaged £8 a head, or 21s per 1001 b; stores in low condition, £3 15s ; fat sheep, 10s, 14s. 23s 4d ; fat lambs, best, 11s 3d to 12s 3d ; inferior, 6s 9d to Ss 9d ; fat pigs, 4Jd. Police-Sergeant Hanlon, who leaves Greymouth and the force voluntarily for good, after 42 years* service, was yesterday presented by the Mayor, on behalf of the citizens, with a handsome gold waich, suitably inscribed. The toasts included, “ Welcome to Inspector Coodall.” January 7. It is understood that a movement is on foot amongst the men employed on the harbour works to have the standard of wages increased to 10s per day before the expiration of the present contract. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Westport, January 2. A four-oared boat race took place 'this afternoon between crews from the Kawatiii, Dingadee, and Wareatea. It was won by the Kawatiri crew. There were 127 wet days in this district in the year just passed, against 182 in 1888. September was the wettest month, with 16 wet days. The driest day was November 7th, the hottest day was the 24th of January, with the thermometer 80 in the shade. The coldest day was July 7th, thermometer 36. Mr A. Greenfield, Commissioner of Crown Lands for the Nelson district, is ordered to Alexandra, Otago, to-day, to temporarily fill Mr Warden Wood’s position, who is laid up with a broken leg. January 4. Five candidates for the junior civil service examination leave here to morrow. During last quarter 54 births, 12 marriages, 9 deaths, and 147 vaccinations were recorded in Westport.