TELEGRAMS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9340, 3 February 1892, Page 2

TELEGRAMS.

(Peb United Press Association.)

Auckland, Februiiiy2.

A telegram from Kamo states that the first measurement of the work done on the Hikurangi railway route showed that the men had not earned enough to pay for their food, and that, as they were dissatisfied, they propose to hold a meeting there on Thursday and protest to the Minister of Public Works that the rate of pay is not sufficient.

The Collector of Customs at Auckland (Mr Thos. Hill), who has occupied the office' for many years, retires from the service of the New Zealand Government on the 31st March next on a pension allowance. He has been for about 40 years in the department in various parts of the colony. Mr R. J. Lanauze, chief clerk in the Auckland customs, has also received notice of his retirement by the Government on pension.

The steeplechase horse Sentinel was seriously injured to-day whilst on its way to Hamilton by train, owing to a fire breaking out in the horse box. The fire was discovered when the train arrived at Papatoitoi, and it was then found that the animal had been considerably burned about the legs and forequarters. At a meeting of the Auckland Presbytery to-night a motion was passed expressing sorrow at the death of the late Mr Spurgeon.

Wellington, February 2. The report of the commission to inquire iuto the charges against the Rev. Mr De Castro, of the Public Trust Office, is to the effect that his conduct had not unfitted him for employment in the civil service, but that he had better not return to the Public Trust Office. As Mr De Castro has completed, the term qualifying him for a pension, this report will entitle him to receive it.

Christchurch, February 2 Xhe twenty-sixth annual meeting of the Christchurch Gas Company was held this afternoon. The chairman, Mr E. G. Wright stated that during the year the business of the company had increased 7 per cent. The directors' report showed that the balance to the credit of profit and loss account was L 10,853 A dividend of 5 per cent, for the half-year, making 10 per cent, for the year, was declared. . At the Chicago Exhibition Committee meeting to-day a report was presented, that as there is little probability of New Zealand exhibitors doing business in America, or any good likely to arise therefrom, there was not sufficient inducement for them to exhibit. It is anticipated good exhibits of products will be made. Mr J J. Kmsey was recommended to the Government as Exhibition Commissioner for this district.