TELEGRAPHIC NEWS

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXVII, Issue 8489, 24 May 1904, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS

(Peh Pbess Association.) WELLINGTON. May 24. Since March last reports have stated that the electric cars will b« running in a few days over a portion of the express route, but present appearances point to the end of June before the current will bo turned on, it is expected even then they will only run from Jsewtown to the Basin Reserve to connect with the present horso service.

The members of the Newtown Licensing Committee had a private interview with Sir J. G. Ward with reference to the question of the costs of the appeal to the Privy Council. It is believed that the matter will be submitted to Parliament early in the session. In connection with the death of Robertson, who was wounded in a shooting affray on Saturday night, the information againstJames Barr has been amended to a charge of murder. Tl*g Coroner's inquest is being held this afternoon. DUNEDIN. mar 24. At tho criminal sessions, James Hogg was found not guilty of embezzlement, tho jury adding a rider that the Loyal Dalton Lodge, M.U.1.0.0.F., of which, accused was secretary, was very much to blame for the looseness with, which the business is carried on. A second indictment was then proceeding. Empire Day was obserTed as a. holiday in the public offices and : schools, but the whole of the retailers are keeping June 3rd a holiday, and were open as usual today. CHRISTCHURCH. May 24. The Plumpton PaTk trots have been postponed to Thursday, owing to heavy ram. AUCKLAND. May 24. Sir John See, interviewed prior to his return to Australia, denied bis intention to retire from politics. He said that Rotorua is a wonderful asset, and approved of the large expenditure on New Zealand tourist resorts. The country, he said, was seemingly enjoying a cycle of splendid prosperity. He strongly impressed the need for opening up Maori lands for settlement. He expressed great admiration for Mr Seddon and Sir J. G. Ward.

Empire Day was observed by the public ofiices, the Law Courts, and public schools, but the banks, insurance companies, and many shops are open as usual. 'Lhe day was specially celebrated at the Veterans' Home, the Governor participating.

The tramway company settled out of Court the third of the Kingsland accident cases—that of J. H. Hogarth, for £IOOO. It is understood l that Oaley's claim was settled by the payment of £1350, Hogarth's by payment of £350, and Davis' by a payment of &Q4O. BLENHEIM. May G4. It is raining heavily this morning. The ceremony of unveiling the Marlborough soldiers' memorial at Tuamarina is therefore postponed till the Prince of Wales' Birthday. WANGANUI. May 24. The Herald suggests that there is a mistake in the H.D.S.O. awards to the New Zealand officers serving in the South African campaign. The name of Lieut. W. N. Townley appears in the London Gazette, and no such officer was ever attached to the New Zealand contingents or was such name mentioned in the despatches. Several officers mentioned by Lord Kitchener in his despatches have not received awards, and the Herald wonders who has lost his D.S.'O. by some clerical error. GISBORNE. May 24. To-day is being observed as a holiday. There are no public functions, bnt the school cadets, of whom a battalion has been formed here, are Raving a field day at Ormond. NAPIER. May 24. The Rev. Mr Hayward, of Fordell, is to be given a call to the Port Ahuriri Presbyterian Church. i The Hawke's Bay Presbytery decided, by-four votes to three, that the Presbytery is in favor of the Assembly continuing to negotiate with the Methodist and Congregational Churches with, a view to a union. NELSON. < May 24. The post office is advised from Havelock that the Nelson coach is unable to cross the Wakamarina River, which is in. very high flood. The mails are staying'at Canvastown.' The Westport coach aid not leave for Reefton to-day owing to floods. There 1 are heavy floods in the Collingwood district between Pakawau, Golden Ridge,' Dainham, and Rockrille. There is heavy rain and a gale at Nelson.