INTER-PROVINCIAL NEWS

Oamaru Mail, Volume X, Issue 4206, 6 September 1888, Page 3

INTER-PROVINCIAL NEWS

(by telegraph. ) WELLINGTON". September 5. A preliminary inquiry was held to-day into the wreck of the schooner Colonist Isst week. Tbe evidence of Charles Barns, the only snrvivor, was taken, but no fresh particulars were adduced. September 6. MrE. Meadows, the representative or a London firm, has arrived by the Tainui for the porpnse of making arrangements to procure New Zealand dairy products. He speaks highly of the of the colony, but says that wa are throwing away oar opportunities by not using them to our advantage. He states that batter and cheeae would sell well, if proper attention were paid to uniformity in making and packing; that there is an unlimited market for butter of good quality, and that one of the largest butter buyers in Montreal says that we do not know what a chance we are losing of patting New Zealand on the s&me footing as Canada and the States. The Government have received another cable from Sir F. D. Ball stating that he has not succeeded in obtaining a Railway Commissioner. No steps have been taken yet to form a Board in the colony. For the better protection of the Government buildings, in case of fire, two iron doors are to be placed across each of tbe long corridors running the length of the building, which it ia hoped would isolate the fire in the event of an outbreak. Richard Cheeseman, formerly manager of the skating rink at Palmerston, appeared at the Coatt this morning charged with forging an order for 30j. He was remanded. Three men, named Hammer ton, Edgerton, and Chilker, appeared before the Resident Magistrate, charged with playing the three-card trick - the former on the Basin Reserve, and the others on the Wbarf. Hammerton was convicted, and sentenced to a month's imprisonment. Tbe other two were acquitted. DUNEDIN. September 5. An elderly man named Matthew Buckley, was found dead in his bed to-day. As he had been in failing health, death is supposed to be due to natural causes. The Danedin Presbytery to-day adopted an overture to the Synod reqaesting that as doubts have arisen regarding the meaning of certain par's of the confession, the Synod should declare the view taken of the teaching of scripture in regard to some difficult and disputed passages. The Chairman of the Benevolent Trustees stated to-day that as country districts complain of the tax for charitable aid be had taken out figures for one county and borough—Taapeka and Lawrence—and found that in outdoor; lief alone they received LlO more than tl iir contribution. In addition to that the Board bad to maintain the poor, aged, and deceased people from the country and take incnrables from the hospital. AUCKLAND. September 5. Three men—Augustine O'Hamarah, a negro named Alfred Joe, and a sailor whose name is not known—left on the 16th of August In a 20ft sailing boat for the Firth of Thames, in order to fish, &nd have not returned. The men were seen sailing on the 27th alt. from the Thames to Miranda, but they have not since been reported, and, as tbe weather on that day was very rough, it is presumed that they have been lost. A passenger by the Tarawera named Alexander Moffat, from Dunedin, died as the vessel was leaving Rusaell for Sydney, whither Moffat was procaeding for the benefit of hiß health. A man named James Gore died this morning at the Raglan Hotel, Otahuhu. A bottle, which had contained strychnine, was found with him, and he is supposed to have committed suicide. The man had. been drinking heavily. The New Zealand Stud Company's mare Locket, dam of Thunderbolt, Necklace, and others, died yesterday whilst foaling. The English football team arrived this afternoon from Sydney by the Manapouri. The Auckland Racing Club have reappointed Mr J. O. Evett handicapper. The creditors of John Roberts, a bankrupt, passed a resolution recommending the Official Assignee to take proceedings against him for fraudulent bankruptcy. September 6. Arrived—Walnul, from Fiji. A supposed casn of suioide occurred yesterday at the Riglan Hotel. James Grove, who was lately discharged from his employment for drunkenness, was fonnd in bed suffering great pain, and soon after died. A phial, which had apparently contained strychnine was found in the room. Frank Eadey, formerly third officer of the Whampoa, who was promoted to be first officer on a steamer trading from Hong Kong to Canton, was drowned while trying to rescue a passenger who had attempted to commit suicide. The deceased had relatives in Auckland, who, expecting him yesterday, received instead the news of his death. The Zealandia was not obstructed in any way in Sydney, and took on board 500 tons of coal. 1 A meeting of the Auckland branch of the Seamen's Union is called for to-night. GISBORNE. September 6. At Karafea, last night, a native named Karaitini Raru was burned almost to death through a tent in which be was sleeping catching fire. He was ssleep, and a cindle which had been left burning, fell over, and the canvas caught fire. Before the man was awakened by a little boy, who had also been sleeping in the tent, he had received severe burns. The child was uninjured. TIMARU. September 6. The Borough Cou&oil last night resolved to call for alternative tenders for lighting the streets by gas, or by electricity. 100 incandescent lamps are stipulated for in the latter case. HOE2TIKA. September 6. At a meeting of shareholders in the Equitable Insurance Association, representing 20,000 shares, it - was resolved to oppose (at a general meeting to be held in Dunedin) the directors' propositions as stated in their circular. The unanimous opinion was expressed by those present

that an absolute sale for cash would be acceptable ; failing this, that the company be wound up. Faint shocks of earthquake continue to be felt daily. Thirty-five have been recorded since the severe shock on Saturday morning. INVEROARGILL. September 5. At Gore to-day, Alexander M'Kenaie and John M'Phail were brought up on information charging them with setting fire to the store of Oraig, M'Kenzle, and Co., of which firm they were partners, at Pakeraa, in February last. Inspector Moore withdrew the informations, and accused were committed for' trial at the Supreme Oonrt, on the finding of the coroner's jury, which was to the effect that accused fired the premised. Proceedings arose out of recriminations between the partners at a meeting of creditors, M'Phail and Oraig both atatlng that M'Kenzie suggested the fire as the simplest way of solving their financial troubles, the former also asserting that M'Kenzle offered him a consideration to fire the store. M'Phail said he refnsed to entertain the proposal, but at the inquest the jury were of opinion that he had a band in the alleged crime.