(PER PRESS AGENCY.)

Otago Daily Times, Issue 5269, 8 January 1879, Page 2

(PER PRESS AGENCY.)

Auckland, January 7th. Pinfire has been purchased by Mr M'Donald, of Poverty Bay, for Lso!>. At the settling on the Summer Meeting Vallance received L6OB, M'Donald L 342, Butler L 153, Buckland Ll4B, Walters L 96, Perkins L7O, Percival LSB, Day L 57, Caulton L3B, and arfew others lesser amounts, '•

The late Mr.Kispling had'a large funeral. His life was insured in the Australian Mutual Office for L2OOO, arid for another L4OOO within the last year iv the Mutual Life Association. The entries for the Papakura Races are Golden Crown, Yatapa, .Xantipp'e, Punga, Ravenahoe, The Don, Venus Transit, and Gillie Callum.

Gkahahstown,'January 7th. The Kurunui Hill Company have got rich stone in the new lode. The stone w expected to go 10 oz. to the ton. The Hon. J. Sheehan is to reach Te Aroha to-morrow, and the Thames on Friday. He is to be entertained here by his admirers.

Alexandra, January 7th. An excursion party this morning—consfetiags of Mr Cheesenian, of the Auckland Museum^w. and Mr Adams, of Auckland, accompanied by a half-caste guide—were about proceeding to the top of Pirongia searching for plants, and were on the Waipa Bridge, when Henare and another native forbade them to proceed, threatening, if they did so, that an armed party would be sent after them to compel their return. Ultimataly, through the representations of Major JVlair and Te Whero, the party were allowed to proceed, on promising not to encroach on native territory

Napier, January 7th.., < An inquest was held before Mr Todd on the ' late fire which resulted from sparks from the' - railway at Waivkafau. From. the, evidenoa ■' it appeared tha* property- wqitb L4OOO was' destroyed, belonging to the following settlers f—? Hon. H. E. Russell, Messrs G. Eusaell, F. H. , Drower, John Harding, J. ; Hayes. The '#* taking of evidence occupied Bix-hours, and the following verdict was given: " That the whole of the fires that took place oa the 21st, 24th, and 25th December last, by which a large amount of property waa destroyed, both north and south of the Waipukurau railway station, was caused by sparks from the railway eDgines." The following rider was added; " That the Jury consider the railway authorities are solely to blame for not having spark* catchers and fire-box guards attached to engines; also in not taking extra precaution for placing men along the line after being duly warned." ■ At a meeting of the new Racing Club held today,* it was announced that races should be held on the 18th and 19th of March. L7OO 'was subscribed. •

Wellington, January 7th. The erection of permanent railway work* shops has been commenced at Petane, a large steam lathe having already been put in working order. The New Zealander says there is no truth iv the rumour that the Government have experienced a difficulty in regard to the Land Tax Act.

The New Zealander's article to day says :— ' ■ At any rate one thing 13 quite clear, the L9gi3lative Counoil of New Zealand cannot be allowed to pursue the course whioh of late years seems to-have commended itself to them—via., persistently and with deliberation insisting upon .thwarting the development of liberal policy,^obstructing every measure which has for its" object the relief of the burdens of the people, en. deavouring to create class privileges in favour of the wealthy lower orders, and, by restricting the franchise, preventing the practical expression of the popular voice," It is stated that several members of the late New Guinea Expedition have decided to make another attempt to open up a trade there. They purpose taking a botanist and geologist, and making twelve months' stay in the country, taking up their residence among the natives.

A robbery was committed last night at the Anchor Liae Shipping Company's office. A packet of L 265 was left on the step of the safe, ; and last night it was found that the window had been left unfastened.

The Grand Jury intend bringing » preaett|J ment recomniendii^^at in cases o"f attempt»ij suicide by womei'^jn account ot domestic troubles, &c, J^'fcnds cf justice might be served wituouf:^. necessity of compelling the attendance of jK^uhfortunate women at the Supreme pourf^ 1^ The HihemoaTwith Sir George Grey and his ecretary (Mr Mitchell), arrived here this morn* in.er. In a few days the Stella will visit Kapiti, Mana, and Stephens Island relative t» the proposed new lighthouse in the Straits, The police have not yet found found any clue to the robbery at the Auchor Line Company's ofiice.

Ltttelton, January 7th. It is probable that a sailing match may be arranged between the owners of the schooners Alert and Torea for LIOO a side.

BALOiiUTHA, January 7th, Mr W. N. Blair, engineer iv charge of the Miildle Island, accompanied by Mr Ussher, resident engineer, officially inspected the rail* ! way contracts from Balolutha to Clfnton to-—-• day. They found the lico gonewlly in good order, aud it is understood the lino will ba opened after conic minor works are completed. The date of opsuing is not yet fixed.