INTER-PROVINCIAL NEWS

Oamaru Mail, Volume X, Issue 4277, 27 November 1888, Page 3

INTER-PROVINCIAL NEWS

(by telegraph.) WELLINGTON, November 26. In the Magistrate's Conrt to-day, the Inspector of Weights and Measures proceeded againßt a cumber of drapers for having unstamped measures In their possession. In the majority of oases a Lomlnal fine was inflicted, bat In one case an important point was raised that, as the measure bore the stamp required by the Imperial Act, the necessity for local stamping was obviated. A proceeding agalnßt a local pawnbroker for refusing to deliver tip a Government rifle on which he had advanced money had been withdrawn, as he wisely handed over the arm. The qaestion of grain rates was under the consideration of the Cabinet this afternoon. The Government has deferred making any change at present in the grain regulations, in deference to the representations of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, with a view to meeting the Irishes of the Chamber, aDd also to mitigate the extra charges now made on overloaded bags complained of in Otago.

DUNEDIN. November 26.

Six out of seven officers of the Public Works Department in Dunedin have received notice that their services will be. dispensed with. Some leave in Deoember, others In January and March. George White, lumper at the wharf, was struck on the temple while loading the Penguin at tho wharf to-day, and his skull is fractured. He has not yet recovered consciousness, and little hopes are entertained of his recovery. At the adjourned meeting of the Charitable Aid Reform, the committee were thanked for their report, and requested to take steps to ascertain if such a system of organisation as is suggested in their report, to prevent overlapping with the Central Board, to Bet as adviaed to other bodies, can be brought, into operation. The committee were also requested to inquire into the causes of poverty in Dunedin and suburbs, and report. November 27.

Messrs Reld and Maclean's grain sale to-day was largely attended. Competition in oats was brisker than ever, with an additional rise of Id to 1-id for choice lota. Wheat prices ruled the same as at the last sale. Oats sold at 3a ll£d to 4i 2Jd ; wheat, medium, 4s to 4=3 sd, whilst for choice quality 4b 7d was paid.

OHRISTCHUROH. November 26,

An animated discussion took place in the Board of Governors of Canterbury College this afternoon on the subject of paying wages to students of the agricultural Bchooi. The Committee reoommended, after consulting the director, that during shearing and harvest the students should be paid 25 per cent, less than current contract rates. Several members objected to paying students at all, and argued that tha best way to popularise the institution was to reduce the fees. Fina'ly it was agreed by seven votes to six to pay wages at the rate recommended, but for this season only. November 27.

The President of the Chamber of Commerce has received a telegram from the Hon. Mr Miichelsou, stating that the proposed change in the grain freight on the railways will be postponed until January Ist, to give time for full consideration.

A reward of L 250 is offered by the Commissioner of Police for the detection of the perpetrator of Hobday's fire, if not accidental.

AUCKLAND. November 26.

Captains Cooper and Skinner, Sergeant Parslow, Volunteer Lnmsden, M'Carthy, and Rout, and Seaman Weir, the Auckland representatives at tho Melbourne Centennial R'fle Meeting, returned by the s.B. Manaponri, which arrived from Sydney thiß evening. News is to hand of the discovery of promising gold-bearing stone at the Tiki, in the Thames district, upon some ground which is being worked by an Auckland syndicate.

WANGANUI. November 26.

The K.9V. T. Spurgeon, of Auckland, gave an interesting lecture on Dr Jadson, the apostle of Bntmab, to a crowded audience this evening. The proceeds are to go to the Baptist Churoh building fund. Mr Spurgeon leaves for Auckland to-morrow.

The candidates for the mayoralty address the ratepayers to-morrow evening, and there will probably be a keen contest for the chair. Mr Laird, the present Mayor, will probably be elected for the third time, though Mr Parson's supporters are very success. The weather here has been very Btormy aDd cold.

The District Court opens here on Wednesday. There are only three criminal cases on the last.

WESTPORT. November 26.

A sum of L 63 has bean subscribed here towards the Parnell defence fund, also L2O to the Irish National Lwgue.