INTERPROVINCIAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 1419, 1 February 1879, Page 27

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, January 25th. In consequence of disclosures in the recent prosecution against Mrs Doborah Hood, of Ngaruawahia, for traveling by train without paying fare, the railway authorities discharged Holmes, the stationmaster at Newmarket, and the guards, M'Donald and Sampson. A splendid seam of coal has been discovered on the property of a settler named Anderson, residing between Whangainarino and Rangiriri. January 27th. The Auckland Oil Company haa declare! a dividend of nearly 7 per cent;.' The competition for representatives at the meeting of the New Zealand Rifle Association resulted as follows :— Rifles— Vols. E. Cooper (Victoria Company), Allen (Engineers), Fair (Victoria Company.) Carbines— Bowden and Woolley (Artillery). January 28th. - At the Wesleyan Conference the income of the Foreign Mission Fund was reported as follows :— Auckland, L 32;3 2; Taranaki and Wantfanui, L 18;1 8; Wellington, L 34;3 4; Nelson, L 22;2 2; Canterbury, L 49; Otago, Lls. The subscribers' list to the New Zealand Wesleyan is reported to be steadily increasing, under the editorship of the Rev. Mr Morley. A weekly publication is recommended. The fire insurance report was adopted. The income of tho Three Kings Theological Institute was stated to be L 857, and the expenditure L 824. The Conference of 1880 is to be held at Dunedin. The Wesleyan Conference has appointed the following ministers to Lhe Circuit fov 1879 :—: — Auckland— Revs. W. Morley, G. Bond, F. J. Parkes, J. Hobbs, J. Wallis, H. H. Lawry, J. Whewell (Principal of Wesley College), T. Buddie; Thames -Rev. W. J. Watkins; Manukau—Revs. J. Law and J. Warren ; Waiuku i —Rev. T. Isitt ; Waikato— Rev. H. Bull ; ( Raglan — Revs. C. Scheneckenberg and two Native ministers ; Kaipara— Revs. W. Gittos, I A. J. Brook, and a Native minister ; Ebkianga — Rev. Hammond, and a Native minister ; New Plymouth— Revs. D. M'Nicoll, L. Hudson ; Patea — Rev. P. W. Fairclough ; ( Wanganui — RevsW. Lee and Stannar; Rangitikei— Rev. S. Lawry ; Manawatn — Revs. W. B. Martin and C. Dewsbury ; Wellington— Revs. W. Y. Kirk and J. J. Williams j Hutt— Rev. J. L. Riashworth ; Greytown— Revs. M. G. Thomas and J. Dillow ; Napier— Revs. W. Oliver and J. Berry ; Norsewood — Rev. E. Neilson ; Gisborne-Rev. W. Slater ; Nelson —Revs. R Bavin and W. Rose ; Blenheim — Rev. G. Carr ; Hokitika— Rev. J. Smith ; Greymouth— Rev. C. Strange ; Kumara— Rev. T. W. Garlick ; Christchurch— Revs. A. Reid, W. Banner, J. Aldred (editor of the Wesleyan), and J. Armitage ; Colombo Road —Rev. J. S. Smalley ; St. Albans— Rev. W. N. Richardson ; Lyttelton— Revs. W. Beck and Te Kooti ; Springston — Rev. J. Taylor ; Leeston — Rev. W. Walker ; Kaiapoi — Rev. J. Armitage ; Rangiora— Revs. W. Connell and H. Ellis ; Timaru— Rev. J. 11. Simmons ; Waimate—Rev. T. Fee ; Temuka— Rev. W. S. Harper ; Ashburton— -Rev. W. Keall ; Dunedin—Rev. J. Crump ; Mornington— Rev. J. J. Lewis ; Port Chalmers— Rev. W. Lursey ; Balclutha— Rev. J. W. Butler ; Lawrence — Rev. J. A. Luxford ; Roxburgh— Rev. P. Willis; Invercargill— Rev. L. Brunn; Oamaru — Rev. H. Dewsbury ; Tapanui — Rev. J. Gray. January 29th. James Dempgey's tender— L36,ooo— for harharbour reclamation works was approved. Wellington, January 25th. At a meeting of the City School Committees the introduction of the Penny Bank system was approved. Tbe privileges at the coming races were sold to-day, and realised L 530. January 27th. The Surveyor-General (Mr J. T. Thomson) has made certain charges, amounting to disobedience of orders and insubordination, against Mr Henry Jackson, the chief purveyor of the Wellington district ; and as Mr Jackson absolutely denies that any foundation exists for such charges, a Court of Inquiry — consisting of Mr R. G. Fountain (secretary for Department of Justice), Me W. Gray (secretary for Post Office Department), and Mr R. 0. Hatnerton (secretary for Stamps)— has been appointed to investigate the matter. A number of excellent building sites in the city were sold to-day by Macdonald and C 0.,. and showed a great reduction on former prices. The following tendril have been received at the Public Works Office, Wellington :— For the .Stratford contract of the Waitara and Patea Railwav — Accepted : Hursthouse and Berry, New Plymouth, L 16,446. Declined: W. Rowe, Wanganui, L 16.797; A. Maogonaerte, | New Plymouth, L 18,375: D. Wilkie, New Plymouth, 118,871; D, Glendiuiog, New 1

Plymouth, L 18,46 2; P. G. Bassett, Wanganuf, L23.9C2. Mr J. S. Thomson has been elected director of the Colonial Insurance Company vice Mr Walter Nathan, who has gong to England. The Club has invited the Governor to a farewell dinner. There are queer rumours about the Government Buildings regarding Mr Luckie's appointment. It was offered him in writing by the Hon. Mr Ballance, the salary being stated at LSOO. He accepted it, and was installed by the Hon. Mr Ballance, who, before leaving for the South, introduced him to the officers of the department. He got his room, and occupied it for one day only ; since then he has not been acting. The report is that Sir G-. Grey disapproved of the appointment altogether, and now absolutely refuses to sanction a salary of more than L6OO a year. There is a good deal of talk about the matter. January 28th. The sale of the reclaimed land, which is to take place by auction this day week, is causing some excitement. Bidders aie expected from all parts of the Colony, and a number of large firms not yet established are likely to compete for sites. January 28th. The Royal Commissioners for the Sydney Exhibition held their first meeting to-day, Dr Hector in the chair. Immediate action was advocated by the chairman. With the view of ensuring an adequate repiesentation of New Zealand wool at the Exhibition, he urged that as it ia so late in the season, no time Bhould be lost in obtaining samples of this season's clip, which is now being shipped. A telegram was received from Sydney by the Commissioners to the effect that the Sydney Government had taken over the entire management, and that a new programme was about to be issued, one thousand illustrated copies of which are being sent by Thursday's mail for distribution in New Zealand. Four thousand feet of space in the Exhibition ib offdrad to New Zealand j but the Commissioners think this will be inadequate, if they receive proper support from the public throughout the Colony. It was decided to advertise for a secretary at Ll per day. It is understood the Government have placed L2OOO at the disposal of the Commit sioners to begin with. January 29th. A large fire broke out in Steel's boardinghouse, in Greytown, at 9 o'clock last night. It destroyed the building, and spread to Beetham's (solicitor) office, Casselberg'a large store, and the police office and Courthouse, all of which were totally destroyed. The telt« graph office, Standard Insurance office, and Hughes' butcher shop were saved with difficulty. The estimated loss is over LIO,OOO. The following are the correct insurances on Mr Casselherg's premises:— New Zealand office, store LSOO, stock L 1250, of which LSOO ij reinsured in the Liverpool and Globe, LSOO in tha South British, L 375 in foreign offices j the Victoria, LSOO on stock ; United, LISOO on, stock, of which L 750 is reinsured in the New Zealand office ; South British, LSOO on stock ; Imperial, L 250 on store, and L 250 on stock j National, LSOO on store. The Commissioners appointed to inquire into Secondary Education have decided that it ia no part of their duty to enter upon the ques« tion of religious education in schools. Tha wreck of the ship City of Auckland was sold to-day at auction by Mr Wallace, for Ll5O, Mr Cooper being the purchaser. The sails were sold to CapUm Williams for L6O, and cargo of pig iron to Mr Boonstra for Ll2 10i. Nelson, January 23rd. Messrs- Acton Adams and Albert Pitt, candidates for the City, have commenc. d election operations in earnest. Both promise to work strenuously to obtain justice for Nelson re public works and the many Ministerial promises given to connect JNelson with the other parts of the Colony by the trunk line of railway. A great fight will, however, be made on the education question, and very strong religious feelings are likely to be imported into the contest. Tbe committees on both sides are working hard, and report says the Dissenting clergy are actively canvassing against denominationalism. January 27th. At the District Court to-day, Theodore Wilson and William Mercer were sentenced to tivo years' and 18 months' imprisonment respectively for stealing furniture from their em. ployer'a warehouse. A point of law raised by Mr Pitt for the prisoners was reserved for the Supreme Court, January 29th. Mr Pitt addressed the electors last night, and had a crowded meeting, 1000 electors being present. He expressed himself against denominational education, but would support Mr Curtis' bill as a means of giving justice to Catholics. He denied being pledged to the Catholic party, or seeking their block vote. He would suoport the construction of a trunk railway to Nelson, if necessary, by every constitutional means. He was in favour of a property tax and an elective Upper House, would oppose the introduction of the Chinese, and would move for a select committee re registration of friendly societies. He favoured the Local Option Bill, and advocated an amended Licensing Bill. Mr Pitt received a vote of thanks. Chiustohurch, January 27th. Sweeps to the vidue of L9OOO are now being advertised in the papers of this city. There are one hundred tront - fishermen licensed. It is believed a great deal of poach-, ing is carried on. January 28th. Messrs J. L. and G. Scott, of this city, are applying for a patent for improvements in seedBtrippers. The present month of January has been tha worst e7er knovvn for sickne3S and death in the Chiistchurch district. Up to yesterday 90 deaths were registered for this month alone, and it is known that five or six deaths have yet to b9 registered. The average number of deaths in Christchurch and suburbs has been 50 for many months past, and it is not unlikely that the death-rate of the present month will reach 100 per cent, over the average mortality. The sickness has been of various kinds, and it should be added that the increase of deaths has taken place in the suburbs ; the proportion in tho city being not more than usual, and considerably less than was the case before the existence of the side channeling and the present sanitary arrangements. Five thousand shares having been taken up in the Temperance Hotel Company, it was this evening fairly floated. The meeting was very well attended. January 29 th. At the Police Court to-day a railway guard was charged with embezzling money which he had received from passengers who bought tickets in the train. When the evidence had been given, Mr Izard, who defended him, pointed out that the case had broken down completely. It had been shown on behalf of the prosecution that certain sums had not been entered by the guard in a book provided for the purpose, and that he was supposed to .have » nightly settlement with the station-master at Kaiapoi, Strangely enough, although the star tien-nutater was in Court, he wa.e not called.

and the most material link in the chain of evidence having been omitted, the case broke down. His Worship said that as the matter at present stood, the case had been closed. On the mere fact that there was no entry; in the book, there could not be a conviction, and the case had better be reopened. Mr Izard could not and would not consent to this. His Worship would agree with Mr Izard that there had been a grave omission. Probably the best course would be to dismiss the case and allow a fresh information to be laid; the case was according dismissed. It was arranged that that a new information should at once be laid. Under section 23 of the Justice of Peace Act, 1866, Mr Izard applied for a certificate of dismissal, which would be a bar to any further proceedings on the same charges. Mr Duncan, Crown Prosecutor, who appeared on behalf of the Government, contended that this course could not be followed, all the evidence not being heard. Hu Worship said, if this had been a case which could not have been sent for trial, Mr Izard's application could fairly ba entertained ; but there was a wide distinction made by the fact that Mr Izard could apply that the case should go before a jury. The information had been dismissed, and marked accordingly. The matter was one of some importance, and Mr Izard had better look up authorities ia readiness for the next morning, and Mr Duncan could then reply. The prisoner was allowed to leave the precincts of the Court, and was then rearrested. Up to date four miles of the new 531b steel rails have been laid down south of Selwyn. About four miles more of these rails are placed along the line, and are being worked in as quickly as possible. It is believed that Ashburton will be reached in about four months, and it is then intended to work the heavy engines as far as that station. Messrs Mainwaring and Jacobsen have been appointed by the Chess Club to make a preliminary canvass for subscriptions in aid of the proposed Chess Congress. It has been determined that the tournament shall be open only to bona fide residents in New Zealand, and players within a radius of 15 miles of Christchurch will be required to pay a subscription of five guineas before entering. No entrance fee will be charged.

Blenheim, January 29fch. News has been received that the Wakamarina tunnel, at Mountain , Camp Creek, has fallen in, burying three men— John Sweeney, Robert Diamont, and William Dorsett. The Havelock correspondent of the Express telegraphs this morning re accident : — " The miners only succeeded in extricating Dorsett at dark last night. He was much injured, but is improving. Diamont was choked by pressure of a slab against his neck. Although relays of miners worked desperately, Sweeney's body was only excavated at 4 o'clock this morning, frightfully mangled. Robert Neabitt had a miraculous escape inside the tunnel."

Napier, January 27th. Sergeant Kelsall, drill instructor, who was accidentally shot in the leg at the rifle range on Saturday afternoon, died last night. An inqueat was held to-day, and a verdict of " Accidental death " was returned, without attributing blame to anyone. The accommodation - house at Woodville, which was owned by the murdered man OUand and his partner Thomson, was burnt down last night. The fire was supposed to be occasioned by sparks from the bush, which was burning all round.

Ashburton, January 27th. At a committee meeting of the County Council, held to-day, Mr Baxter, of Oamaru, was appointed County Engineer, at a salary of LSOO.

Timaru, January 23rd. The immigrants ex Waikato, comprising 20 families, 47 single men, and 27 single girls, are going off rapidly. All the latter were engaged at from L2O to L3O per annum in a few houre after being open for engagement ; while the majority of the pingle and married men have also found situations, and the dep&t will probably be clear by Saturday. The demands for all kinds of labour in this district is still far beyond the supply. The first meeting of the newly-established South Canterbury Couraing Club is fixed for May 16th, when an All-aged Stakes of L 2 per dog will be run for.

January 26tb. The nominated immigration list for despatch from Titnaru this month comprises 70 souls — equal to G5& adults, of whom 55 are Irish, 10 Scotch, and five English. Nominated immigration is increasing in favour here daily, and every month shows a large increase. Yet, in face of the great demand for labour, the Government propose to dispense altogether with the local immigration officer. Hospital returns for the last month show that 62 patients were treated, and that 32 still remained under treatment.

January 27th. There is much sickness in consequence of the weather, and owing to the want of water. Four deaths, all children, occurred in tcmn from typhoid fever on Saturday; and diphtheria is also very general. The first meeting of the Board of Governors of the Titnaru High School was held today. Mr Gillies was appointed chairman, and the other business was of a routine nature.

The Gas Company intend to reduce the price of gas from LI to 17s 6d per 1000 feet shortly. January 28th. The elections of. the school committees in this district have excited little interest.

During four weeks ended to-day, 51,000 bushels of wheat, 2054 bales wool, 845 sacks flour, 648 sacks malt, besides various minor items of produce, have been shipped from Timaru.