TELEGRAPHIC BRIEFS.

Otago Witness, Issue 1920, 4 December 1890, Page 24

TELEGRAPHIC BRIEFS.

The Lyttelton Harbour Board on the 26 bh ult. accepted the tender of W. Smith, of Christchurch, of £2964, for the erection of buildings for the cool storage of dairy produce. The board decided not to engage labour for their shed through the recently formed Stevedoring Association, but to adhere to the present system of the foreman hiring any men he wished. The Railway Commissioners having refused to give up possession of the grain export shed, the Harbour Board have placed the matter in tha hands of their solicitors.

A house occupied by four Salvation lasses was burned down at New Plymouth on Tuesday morning, the women escaping wich only the clothes which they had on. There was no insuracce. The cause of the fire is unknown.

The remains of Sydney Taiwhanga have been taken to Mokaia Island for interment. A large number of Natives have left Rotorua ft r the island, where a tangi will be held.

The liotorua Natives are moving for the repeal of tha Thermal Springs Aci, At the Supreme Court, Auckland, Annie Kauner pleaded guilty to a charge brought against her of concealment of birth. Mr O'Mejgher, who *pp. ared for accused, said that this was one of the most pitiful cases that had ever come under his notice. He denounced the stducer as tbe vilest cur on earth, and said it was a pity he could not bo placed in the dock. Mr Justice Conolly said these sentiments did Mr O'Meagher honour, but they were outside the case. On the application of the counsel the young woman was released on probation for six months, and left the court in company with a lady who ia taking care of her.

At a meeting of Natives at Tawhiao's settlement at Pukekawa, Tawhiao approvtd of a suggestion that rhere should be a council of Native chiefs from the Central and Lower Waikato for ths discussion of all political questions effecting Tawhiao and tbo Maoris.. He said it had been decided to again pull down the trig station at Waitakaruau, but that he was against this, and would not allow it to be dene.

Arrangements have b e en completed with the New Zealand Shipping Co. for a renewal of the direct mail service. The Shaw. Savill, and Albion Co. will work with the contractors as in the past. The new postage rate of 2Jd per ounce will be brought into force from the end of this month.

A Christchurch telegram states that the New Zealand Lawn Tennis Association have arranged to hold a champion meeting at Lancaster Park on January 1, 2, and 3. Several leading players, including M. Fenwick, have biguified their intention of being present. Entries cl se on December 24.