TELEGRAMS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 854, 10 January 1879, Page 2

TELEGRAMS.

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION). WELLINGTON. January 9. Mr. Frankland, actuary attached to the office of the Registrar of Friendly Societies, has compiled a valuable table, showing the minimum rates payable during life, which would enable friendly or benefit societies to grant the various sums guaranteed to members, at the same time to maintain a condition of solvency. Serious bush fires are raging at Carterton, and a portion of the town is in danger, the wind driving the flames towards the houses. Some of the fences of back yards are already burnt. Later.

The town is in great danger. The fire is spreading rapidly. The police and telegraph offices have been on fire, but were got under. The fire-engines were sent for tn Masterton, and are expected in a few hours. The appearance of matters is very bad. A Temperance Alliance has been formed to prevent the increase of licensed houses, and granting licenses to proper people. Archdeacon Govett is on the committee. January 10.

Up to ten o'clock last niglit the position of Carterton was most precarious, but at that hour the wind fell. The buildings were repeatedly on fire, but were extinguished by vigorous exertions. A strict watch was kept during the night. Large quantities of fencing and timber were destroyed. The fire is still smouldering on all sides, but all danger is over. Mr. Travers, City Solicitor, advises the Corporation that it cannot raise a special loan for street formation or repairs under clause 139 of the Municipal Corporations Act, as such works do not come within the definition of works for the convenience and health of the inhabitants. The Attorney-General's opinion is to be asked.

Great complaints are made about the insufficient wharf accommodation. At a Chamber of Commerce committee meeting, Mr. Levin said that if further facilities were not given the Union Company might have to arrange for transhipments at some other port. Rewi and Mr. Sheelian were warmly welcomed at Alexandra. It is understood that the Cabinet have resolved to advise the Governor to commute the capital sentence on Walsh to one of imprisonment for life. The Agent-General advises the Government that iron is likely to fall still lower in price, rather than to rise, for some time.

DUNEDUST. January 9. The Flood Relief Committee, after meeting all demands and voting a sum for the relief of the sufferers by the Waimate bush lire, have still a balance of five hundred pounds in hand. A meeting will shortly be held to decide as to its disposal. It is understood that the southern trunk line will not bo opened for through traffic until the 20th inst.

The determination of the Government to withdraw all free passes on railways lias been applied to the gangs of prisoners from Dunedin gaol, who have been employed at various places ill the vicinity of Dunedin. The tender of John Thomson (L 192 9s lOd) has been accepted for additions to the Telegraph Office, Oamaru. Thomas, the Victorian wrestler, who was beaten in the championship contest bv Tyson, is to lie presented with a purse of sovereigns before his return, hy those who admire his manly, straightforward conduct. January 10. A deputation from the Otago Harbor Board waited on the Attorney-General this morning, in order to learn the Government's intention respecting the reclamation privileges. Mr. Stout said the question was whether the Government could legally give effect to a proposal to exchange eighty acres for forty elsewhere in the bay. If the exchange could be made under the present statute, he promised that a Crown grant should be issued, and if not, he would have a clause for the purpose inserted in the Special Powers and Contracts Bill. Adam Gordon Seymour, a traveller for a book importing firm, was remanded today till Monday by the Bench on two charges of embezzlement. The police intimated that additional charges of larceny and forgery would be brought against him. Great dissatisfaction is expressed at the management of the Athenreum, the library of which was lately locked up because subscribers delayed returning their books. The extension of tramways to the suburbs on the hill-tops is being agitated. If the project is carried out it will increase enormously the value of suburban lands.

CHRISTCHURCH. January 9. To get rid of accumulations of goods on the South lines, caused by the break in the Rangitata bridge, 140 waggons a day have been employed for the last week. On Wednesday evening and this evening extra special goods trains were sent to Ashburton, each consisting of forty-four waggons. The Railway Employes Benefit Society have decided to arrest Valpy again, which was to be done this evening. A paid Secretary at L-200 a year is to be engaged for the future, A meeting was held this evening, in the Provincial Council Chambers, to congratulate the Primate on his attaining his seventy-fifth birthday, and to hear from his Lordship an account of the Lambeth Conference. There was a fair attendance. Resolutions were moved by the Dean of Christchurch, by Archdeacon Harper, and by Mr. F. Hobbs. The Primate gave a resume of the business done at the Conference. The resolutions included one urging the completion of the Cathedral. Tlfe ineeting concluded with the Bishop's blessing.

NAPIER. January 9. The election for two members of the Municipal Council of Napier resulted in the return of Cornford (solicitor) and Ashton (hotel-keeper), The latter beat Mr. Miller, station agent, by one vote, There was a good deal of excitement over the election. The declaration of the poll was ii,ade at noon to-day, the numbers being—Coriifoi'd, 357 ; Ashton, 221; Miller, 220 ; Ellis,' 146 ; Cohen, 11! 7 ; Reardon (schoolmaster), 22. Sir. Ashtoni in returning thanks, created roar 3 of Jaughter by the reference he made to the Daily Telegraph manager, who is agent here for the Press Agency, and who had telegraphed" that all ■ candidates excfept Cornford and Miller were small' fry. "Now/' said Ashton, "thai penny rag-

man can go and telegraph south that one of the small fry has got in." AUCKLAND. January 10. The Directors of the Pumping Association, Wellington, have informed Mr. Black, their manager, that his services must be dispensed with. There are no funds in hand for prosecuting the undertaking. The tightness of the money market i 3 affecting permanent stocks, especially insurance and bank shares. At Mangawhare, northern Wairoa, a man named Lowe died suddenly of apoplexy. The Catholic clergy have donated LSOO out of their Maintenance Fund for the New City School Building. Dr. Wood gives LIOO.

INVERCARGILL. January 9. The election of a councillor for Winton Riding in the Southland County Council took place yesterday, and after a hardfought contest, resulted in the return of Mr. John Thompson, sen., bya majority of 90 votes over liis opponent, Mr. Sproule. This election had been rendered necessary by the former election being declared void.

TIMARU. January 9. As soon as the sixty-ton steam crane for the harbor works is delivered, rapid progress will be made, as about fifty blocks, varying from twenty-five to thirty tons, are ready to be laid. The Harbor Board calculate they will have at least LIOO,OOO still in hand after paying for the 300 feet mole now under contract. A number of sections of land, 21b miles from Timaru, sold to-day, and averaged L 221 per acre.