INTERPROVINCIAL.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 8408, 6 January 1899, Page 2

INTERPROVINCIAL.

9 [Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON. To-day. Telegram!) received by the Railway Department show that the passenger traffic during the holidays was larger than in any previous Christmas and New Year limes. The civil business transacted at the local Magistrate's Court, in the last twelve months was in excess of that of tho previous year. In 1898 383-2 plaints were entered and 2752 cases tried. The figures for the previous year were 3308 plaints and 2347 casea heard. The aggregate amount sued for last year was £45,392, and of this £24,860 was recovered, as compared with £35,312 sued for in 1897 and £13,648 recovered. AUCKLAND, To-day. The District Surveyor at the Thames has been instructed to make a, flying survey of the Piako Swamp to ascertain the levels prior to draining and cutting it up for settlement. The land is opposite the Thames township, but is not connected with the large area held by the VVaikato Land Association. The Government hold 8000 acres. The drainage cannot commence till arrangements have been made with the Native owners of 50,000 acres adjoining. Frank Butler, arrested on tho Alariposa for stealing moneys belonging 'to the Carrington Steamship Coal Co., has been extradited to Sydney. At the Police Court Butler complained to the Bench of the close confinement of prisoners in the gaol, and said it was a disgrace to New Zealand. TIMARU, To-day. A laborer named Fmnegan, aged SO, belonging to Oamaru, fell off the express train yesterday afternoon. The wheels of the cars passed over both his legs above the knee, and he died shortly after being picked up. 8 NAPIER, To-day. Over one hundred claims for old age pensions have been filed here. The Regis. trar will commence hearing claimants next Monday. DUNEDIN, To-day. An elderly man named Gregg, whilp discharging coal from the steamer Wanaka fell down the hold, sustaining fatal injuries,