TELEGRAMS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 7538, 15 April 1886, Page 2

TELEGRAMS

(Pbb United Press Association.!

Atjcklasd, A.pril 14. The boot manufacturers have agreed to accept the proposal for a joint committee re the strike of operatives. The Southern Operatives' Union are sending contributions to thu strike fund.

At the annual meeting of the Sailors' Rest and Home a proposal was made to erect a home at a cost of £3000 from the Costley bequest: No interim dividend will be declared by the South British Insurance Company. The premiums for the half-year amount t0'£122,600; interest and balance, £4970 ;—total, J8127,660! The losses and expenses are £133,610, leaving a balance to debit of working account of £5950. The aunual exhibition of the Society of Arts was opened with a conversazione. His Excellency the Governor gave an iuaugural address. There was a large attendance. In the musical competition there were. 14 entries. The'prize for the best song was awarded to A. A. Whitehouse, C.8., but he surrendered the'silver medal to F. H. Edger, who was second, taking a certificate of equal honour. For the best piano piece the silver medal was awarded to Bella Hutchings, of Napier. For the best part so:ig Whitehouse received a silver medal, F, H. Edger taking a second certificate.

; Wellington, April 14. The Bpuni Licensing Oommitte have absolutely and definitely declined to grant a license for the sale of liquor at the Hutt races on Friday anrl Saturday next.

The Government state that the ranks of the unemployed are being increased both North and South. It is expected that as various contracts fall in, the number will be still further augmented The records of the Public Works department during the past two years show a very steady average of labourers engaged on public-works, the number nearly always being about 3000. When the unemployed have to. be relieved it increases slight!}', aud when work is plentiful decreases; but the range is never beyond 3100 or below 2SOO in round numbers.

~ , Nelson, April 14. At the inquest on Robert James Wood, who was killed by falling from a dray, a verdict was returned that death resulted from concussion of the brain. Deceased was a man of superior education, and had not been brought up to hard work. His mate says be frequently received remittances from Home. He was a native of JNorthampton.andhas no relatives intheColony save a cousin in the Government service in Otago.

Christchurcu, April 14. Mrs belma Baker, a storekeeper near Christchurch, committed suicide to-day by hangine herself by a strap to a hook behind her bedroom door. Upon her was found a note worded as follows: " I have taken my own life. If it would save others.it would be well given."

(Fbom Our Own Correspondent.) Tmaru, April 14. At a meeting of the Geraldine County Council to-day it was decided to take over the control of the Pleasant Point Domain, as requested by the Crown Lands Department. It was found that it would be necessar}' to take another poll of the ratepayers in order to comply with the terms of the Government Insurance Association for a loan, a flaw having occurred in 'connection, with the last one.

A number of spurious florins are at present in circulation in Timaru.