AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 940, 7 March 1890, Page 20

AUCKLAND.

(per press association.) Auckland, March 5. Arrived —Wainui, s.s., from Samoa. Business at Apia is at a standstill. Complaints are made that the wrecks which came ashore at Apia in the recent hurricane have been left in awkward positions and iu an unseemly state. There was a severe gale at Samoa on the ]3th, 14th, and 15th February, but the only damage done was a slight knocking about of the banana crops. A man named Swiney was sentenced to 12 days’ imprisonment with hard labour today for having wound ad a dog by striking it repeatedly with a billhook. An interesting discussion in regard to the value of a property in Poosonby Ward took place at the Assessment Court to-day. The block contains 38£ acres, and the valuation of £SOO was objected to. The vainer, Mr Gulliver, said it bad been valued at £I2OO about four years ago, and had been gradually reduced. It waß pointed out that the land was offered at a rental of £SO, but no one accepted it. The valuation was reduced by the President, Mr Barstow, to £SOO. It is said that £2O 000 was refused for this block during the land boom. A document has been signed by 42 master bakers stating that they offer no objection to the men in their employ working under the rules of the Bakers’ Union. The rules provide for ten hours a clay on six days a week. Amongst the exports to Sydney by the Tarawera were 1670 sacks of maize. Several pedigree Hereford cattle from McLean’s herd were also sent. The recent decision of Mr Justice Conol'y quashing To Kooti’s conviction at Onotiki, had given such satisfaction to the Natives at Kihikihi that Mr Napier (solicitor for To Kocti), when he visited Kihikihi yesterday, was welcomed by a large body of Maoris,

who danced a haka, whilst the chiefs congratulated him. Inquiries have been received from all parts of the Colony respecting the direct trade with Natal, established by a local firm of shipping agents, and the barquentine Stanley has been chartered to leave Auckland fbr South Africa in abotit three weeks. A well known chief of the Ngfttipftoa tribe, Wiremu K.spa, dropped dead a few days ago at his house at Waikeke Island. A friend, in Auckland, of Mr W. S. Allen, states that the assertion that that gentleman is a coming candidate for Stoke-upon-Trent is not correct. He has thrice positively declined to re-enter English politics. Great damage is being caused in the Waikato by the bush fires. Large quantities of flax and timber have been destroyed, and several sheep belonging to the Waikato Laud Association were also burnt-. The Thames Borough Council have decided to accept £650 in settlement of their claim against the Victoriau Insurance Co., as guarantors for F. C-. Dean, A meeting of the members of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce was held to-day to Consider the question of increasing the usefulness of that body', which is now about £6O in debt. The President (Captain Colbeck) said increased vigour was necessary, or the Chamber would collapse. A committee W&s appointed to canvas in order to gain more members.