LATE TELEGRAPHIC.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1163, 15 June 1894, Page 28

LATE TELEGRAPHIC.

Auckland, Juno 12.

At the annual conference of tho Fruitgrowers' Association a letter was received from Captain Broun, tho well-known entomologist, suggesting tho distribution of a beetle which had been found valuable as a destroyer of various pests. It was resolved, " That tho Government bo urged to proclaim places and reserves in various districts for tho purpose of preserving native birds and insects which may prove of value to farmers in tho future."

A resolution was passed recommending the Government to provido some practical entomologist with the moans of obtaining information regarding insects, for the benefit of tho farming community.

It was also agreed that tho Government be recommended to introduce such insects from tho other colonies as are likely, in tho opinion of naturalists of ominonce, to prove of valuo in checking the ravages of insect pests. Tho question was raised of imposing a duty on imported fruit. Mr Johns said his Association had drawn up a memorial drawing attention to injustice caused by tho admission of fruit from the South Sea Islands, which, although it could not be grown hero, prejudiced their soft fruit, and asking the Government to levy a duty on imported fruit. Ho moved the adoption of the memorial, and that a copy be forwarded to the Premier. Mr Lippiatt moved as an amendment, " That instead of increasing the duty on imported fruit the Government be urged to approach the Australian Governments with a view of assimilating the tariffs between the colonies." The amendment was lost. Mr Vickers moved, "That the Government be asked to offer Captain Broun a sum of money per annum as State Entomologist." This was carried. It was resolved, " That tho Government be asked to establish an experimental fruit scation in the Auckland province in accordance with the resolution of tho last Conference." Captain Broun read a paper on the codlin moth and other insect pests. The Conference agreed that the Government bo asked not to introduce a Codlin Moth Bill this year. The Bank of New Zealand has granted ,£3OOO overdraft, subject to conditions, to the Board of Education at 6J per cent. Tho Government have given JBIOOO as an advance to the building account. Timaru, June 12. At the Supremo Court, D. Hayes, a small settler near Waimate, was acquitted of the charge of stealing'a Bheep. Dunedin, June 11. Mr Alexander Fraser is definitely out in the Liberal interest for the Tuapeka seat. Dunedin, June 12. A house at Dunback occupied by Thos. Smith, railway porter, has been, with its contents, destroyed by fire. The furniture was insured in the Standard for ,£2OO. The house is understood to be railway property. The Licensing Committee had not concluded the taking of evidence regarding the adjourned cases when the sitting was adjourned till to-morrow. There are still about 10 cases to be dealt with. Tho application for a license for tho Newmarket Hotel, Princes street South, was withdrawn. At tho adjourned meeting of tho Waikouaiti Licensing Committee; all tho applications for licenses were granted. Hawera, June 12. On Saturday evening a house, in which goods belonging to an Indian hawker were stored, was entered, a tin box broken open, and -260 worth of silks, &c, stolen.