LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 105, 12 April 1876, Page 2

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

[Pitu Prkss Agency.] WELLINGTON. April 8. The Hunter, from Patea, with a cargo of wool and grass seed, missed stays and went ashore about a mile this side'of the lighthouse. She belongs to G Thomas, and is now high and dry, with a large hole in her bottom. There are little hopes of getting her otf. A letter from Vogel appears in the Times this morning, in which lie says, re Taranaki iron sand :—“ I deem it my duty to mention an opinion expressed to me by Dr Percy that iron could not be made from this sand with commercial success, and that it was throwing money away to attempt to work it. Such deposits had been thoroughly tried elsewhere As you are aware, Dr Percy is the most eminent living metallurgist, and his opinions are entitled to great weight.” April 11. It is understood that the Government have re-considered the question of the payment of subsidies to Municipalities and Hoad Boards. The decision first arrived at was to pay only on actual collections for the financial year, made within the financial year, but such a course inflicted great hardship, inasmuch as it is not tho practice, and, in some cases not practicable, to collect within the financial year the amounts due for that year. The decision is now to pay on actual collections Avitiiih the financial -year, on account of general rates not exceeding one shilling (whether or not they belong to the year), provided the total collections do not exceed the total amount, a shilling rate is collected to yield. “V PORT CHALMERS. April 11. A smart shock of earthquake was experienced at 11.45., lasting for about thirteen seconds, in a north-easterly direction. Shocks were also felt about the same time at Naseby, Queenstown, and Dunedin. TIMARU. April 11. A sharp shock of earthquake was felt here this morning at 11.30., but no damage was done. The highest ranges are already completely covered with snow. It is said to indicate an early and severe winter. GPLYMOUTH April 8. The Bnmncrton railway has been formally opened for traffic by his Honor the Super - tendent. Procession of the fire brigade, volunteers, friendly societies, and .general public took place, which afterwards pro cceded by train to Bnmncrton, where the ceremony took place. The Superintendent congratulated the province and the General Government on the completion of the first railway in Westland. He predicted that it was only the commencement of the line which will eventually connect Grcymouth with Hokitika and tiie East Coast of Canterbury. There was a banquet and ball in the evening in honor of the occasion. DUNEDIN. April 8. Caleb Moore was fined £lO for selling tickets in a Dunedin Cup sweep.