INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XVII, Issue 5208, 15 February 1892, Page 3

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS.

(by telegraph.) (per press association.) WELLINGTON. February 15. In reference to the trouble in the Synod last week, the Archdeacon of Wellington writes to the Times stating, on the authority of the Primate, that no formal inhibition whatever was issued against the Rev. Mr Howell, but that the Primate did privately request the clergy of the city churches not to ask Mr Howell to preach in their churches. This was done for two reasons : First, because of the personal attitude assumed by Mr Howell towards the Primate as Diocesan, while he held the position of assistant curate in St. Paul's parish, and secondly because his presence in that parish unfortunately proved to be a source of division. An earthquake shock was felt at Palmerston and Woodville at 11.30 last night. The Government have not yet appointed any Commissioner for the Chicago Exhibition, in fact, there is a hitch about the representation of the colony thereat. Some of the Committees want the Government to buy the exhibits outright. which the Minister of Public Works flatly declines to do. If the majority of the Committees take this line, he will probably throw the matter up altogether; but, if satisfactory arrangements are made, he proposes to ask Parliament to vote LSOOO more. A prolonged, but gentle, shock of earthquake occurred at 11.30 last night. The Railway Commissioners have not received any report on the damage to the southern lines, but the cost of repairs and loss of traffic will make it very difficult, if not impossible, to pull up arrears this year. The earthquake shock at Marton and Masterton was very smart, being preceded by loud rumbling. The Government have decided that the absorption of the Native Department into the Justice and Lands Departments shall take place within the next few weeks. Mr Reeves will have the title of Native Minister, but there will be no separate department. Mr Cadman will assume charge of the Marine, Stamps, and Hospital Departments, and will also takeover part of the Colonial Secretary's work. The proposed amalgamation of the Marine and Public Works Departments is partially abandoned. DUNEDIN. February 15. The body of a man named Halroid was found in three, feet of water at East Taieri, yesterday. The Se.v Hoy Big Beach Company washed 87 ounces for live days' work. The General Manager of the National Mortgage and Agency Company has received cable abviee that, at the annual i meeting in London last week, a small shareholder proposed liquidation or incorporation with a larger company, to which the chairman replied that neither the Board nor the larger shareholders had any thought of liquidation. On the contrary, they were in a position, and prepared, to bike over smaller concerns, if opportunity arises. This explains Saturday's cable. CHRISTCHURCH. February 15. At the adjourned inquest on the young man named Jordan, who died in the Hospital on Thursday last, it was shown that arsenic had been discovered in the contents of the stomach and vomit, and that a box of "rough on rats" was .found in the house where he resided. A verdict was returned of death from taking poison while temporarily insane. BLENHEIM. February 15. A report from Mahakipawa to the Express states that gold has been found in Duncan's Valley by prospectors, but that it amounts to only about 4 ounces altogether. The gutter has not yet been reached, and there is nothing, so far, to warrant a rush, though the ground is beiim rapidly taken up by Cullensville miners. The valley is only capable of holding 500 men, and working therein requires capital, as sinking is deep and fiunjing expensive. The Springfield Hotel was burnt this morning. Insurance, Ll5O in the Commercial Union Office. A child named Massey has died from the effects of burning. It was lighting a fire in its night dress, when the flames caught the garment.