TELEGRAMS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13519, 16 February 1906, Page 5

TELEGRAMS.

(Pep. United Pkess Association.) AUCKLAND, February 15. The City Council has deeided to take a poll of tho ratepayers on tho question of borrowing £80,000 for Town Hall purposes. The interest not to exceed 4£ per cent. A return presented to Clio City Council to-night by tho city valuer shows that the tola! rateable value of the city for 1906 is £442,348, as compared with £424,149 for 1905, an increase for the year of £18,199. For the position of city 'engineer 122 applications from all parts of Inn Empire htivc been received. Tho selection is deferred for a month. , HASTINGS, February 15. The Premier had a great reception hero to-day. A very, large- number of people wero present at a garden party, and tho greatest enthusiasm prevailed. The Premier delivered four addresses yesterday, and received deputations all the morning. February 15. Lady Plimket arrived from the north by the mid-day train. Sho conducted the prize-giving ceremony in .connection with the local. publio schools (which was held over from last December) in tho Moutoa Gardens this afternoon. FEILDING. February 15. A slight shock of earthquake was felt here at 9.11 a.m. to-day. EKETAHI7NA, February 15. The. severest, shock of earthquake felt since _ 1004 was .experienoed at 9.8 this morning. Its direction was east to west. The plaster in the post oflicc was cracked, and stock m somo of the shops slightly damaged. AVELLINGTON, February 15. A meeting last night approved the establishment of a brand; of the United Irish League at Wellington, having for its nbjcct the furthcranco of Homo Rule for Ireland, strengthening tho national spirit iu New Zealand, and assisting the Irish Parliamentary Fund. The meeting pledged itself to support Iho efforts now being made to secnre_ lo Ireland legislative independence. similar to that enjoyed iu Now Zealand. • The Chief Justice, to-day granted decrees nisi in the divorce eases of Olson v. Olson and Archer, a wife's petition, and Archer • y. Archer and Olsen. a, husband's petition, on the ground of adultery. HOKITIKA, February 15. A AVcst landers (including the Rev. Mr Newi.on, l)r Tciohlmann, and Mr Low, from Scotland) spout their holiday in South AVeslhind in alpine climbing, 'They also explored the hej/l of Cool; River anil the adjacent, locality, and made the first successful ascents of the two mountain peaks, David's Dome- and La Perouse. The Wostlaisd County Council has resolved to authorise ii-s Finance Committee to arrange for the nceessan- space at the International Exhibition for a Wcstland County exhibit, of which Mr G. J. Roberts will have tho supervision. CHRISTCHURCH, February 15. H.M.S. Cambrian, the advance vessel of tho Australian squadron, arrived at Lyttclton shortly before 8 o'clock this inornins. and was-berthed-at No. 3 wharf. At the Suprcnio Court to-day Samuel Ford pleaded guilty to a charge of having broken into and-entered the dwelling of Max Ilirsehbcrcr. and stolen a bicvclc, jewellery, and silverware, to the'"'value "of £60. He was sentenced to six months' imprisonment. 'AVilliain Baxter wns acquitted on a charge of making a false oath by swosring t-hat he did gcrvo Alexander Cross with a summons. S. Elliolt, convicted of indecent exposure, wns sentenced to three months' imprisonment. Paul Zalinski was acquitted of a charge committing an unnatural offence. TIMARU. February 15. At the annual Mayoral picnic at tho waterworks intake, the .Mayor announced that the new borough valuation totalled over £76,000, an increaso of £14,000 on last year, and £25,000 over 1902. In the last four years 34(1 new buildings wero erected, and 237 additions, some of the latter being extensive reconstructions of business premises, Lust year 119 new buildings were erected, and there were 81 additions. Mr Oraigie was urged to accept, another (the fifth) year of mayoralty, to put under wnv the underground drainage and electric light and power schemes, which he has beon working up. Mr Craigio deforrcd a reply. A very successful swimming carnival wns held this afternoon, competitors from Chrislchurch and Lyttolton taking part. Harvest has begun in all sections of tho district, but many crops aro still quite green.