INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XVII, Issue 5318, 5 July 1892, Page 1

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS.

(BY TELEGRAPH.) (per press association.) WELLINGTON. July 4. There are now indications that the weather will be generally fine but cold until about the 7th instant, and after that time there will be strong westerly gales over most parts of the country southward of New Plymouth and Napier. The rainfall registered by the instruments at the Observatory for the 24 wet days of last month give a downpour of nearly six inches, the highest record in any 24 hours of that period being that of the 4th June, when nearly an inch fell. The police made a raid on some hotels last night, with the result that charges of Sunday trading wiil bo laid against five licensees. In one case the occupants were found playing cards. The Labor Bureau found employment for 76 men during the week. The Citizens' Ball to the Earl and Countess of Glasgow, which was postponed from last week, owing to the sudden death of Sir Harry Atkinson, took place in the Garrison Hall to-night. The building was beautifully decorated, and there was a very large attendance present to do honor to the Vice-regal party. Among those present were—The Premier ane Mrs Ballance, the other members of the Government, Captain Bourke and several officers of H.M.S. Ringarooma, membei's of both branches of the Legislature, and most of the leading citizens. The affair passed off with great eclat. The Wellington Navals formed the guard of honor to his Excellency on his arrival at the hall. DUNEDIN. July 4. The University Council to-day granted leave of absence to Professor Parker to visit the Home Country. Reference was made to the excellent work he had done during his 12 years of office. The following returns from the mines are reported : Island Block Extended, 89oz 19dwt gold ; Amalgamated Waipori Deep Lead, 13oz 17clwt gold; Jutland Flat, 18oz gold. The taking of evidence in regard to the charges of "false packing of rabbitskins in connection with the bankruptcy of Arthur M'Donald was concluded to-day. The bankrupt gave lengthy evidence. He objected to the term " topping off." His solicitor (Mr Hosking) challenged Low, the representative of the English firm, to write a letter to the papers making a charge of false packing, when they would bring an action for libel against him. Mr Low denied that the uharge in question had been made by him. It is understood the tender of a syndicate of Port Chalmers shipwrights has been accepted for floating and olacing in Lyttelton graving dock the Elginshire. The conditions are on the principle of " no cure no pay." WANGANUI. July 4. A public temperance meeting was held to-night, when the following resolution, among others, was unanimously carried, and the chairman was instructed to forward it to the Premier That this meeting earnestly protests against any attempt to provide out of the funds of local bodies, or out of the proceeds of license fees, or from any other public fund for compensation to publicans or ground landlords for any loss sustained by refusal on the part of licensing committees to renew licenses. ASHBURTON. July 4. The following resolution was passed at all the Wesleyan and Primitive Methodist services in the Ashburton district yesterday ; —" This congregation desires hereby to enter its protest against any attempt being mads by Pivrliarcient to curtail the power which the people at present exercise in control of the liquor traffic, and urwes the Government to support the extension of the local option vote to existing licenses, and especially declares its disapproval of the principle of compensation for loss of licenses when these are refused according to law and in accord with the wishes of the residents." A similar resolution was carried at Mr Knott's meetings in the country districts last week.

The Borough Council have passed a resolution of regret at the death of Sir

Harry Atkinson and sympathy with his family. THAMES. July 4. A public meeting was held hero tonight, under the auspices of the Temperance party, and resolutions were carried against the Compensation Bill now bofore the House, and against the abolition of elective committees on the Liconsing Bench. A man named Richard Herk was found dead on the Tarua Beach yesterday morning. At the inquest held to-day, evidence was adduced to the effect that deceased was last seen alivo at ten o'clock on Saturday night, and was then considerably under the influence of liquor. A verdict was returned that deceased was drowned whilst in a state of intoxication.