INTERPROVINCIAL.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 10302, 9 March 1905, Page 3

INTERPROVINCIAL.

(Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, this day. At a meeting of the Education Board, the Chairman reported the result of the recent deputation to the Premier, relative to the establishment of district high scliools. Mr Hobbs said it was evident Mr Seddon meant to do what was right in the matter. H© thought, however, they should get something more, than an indefinite promise. The former committee was empowered to carry on negotiations on the .subject, and again wait .upon the P<remier. At a later stage correspondence was read, from the Department to the effect that : applications., for -...the conversion of the Devonport and Gnvfton road schools into district high schools had been declined. The Cliairman re. marked that •since the letter ; had been written" the Premier had promised that the Graiton road school should be one of the sgliools to be made a district liigh school.. The question^wae deferred pending the result of the coming interview with Mr Seddon. An application for a high -school at Otahuhu was snpported by the chief inspector, and it was decided to refer it to the Minister for approval. It was stated at a meeting of the Trades and Labor Council that the colony is flooded witlr imported American veliicles, to the detriment of local industry. A Christchurch firm imported hundreds of American vehicles, and -sold them at oue hundred per cent, under the prices for which local manufacturers produce the same goods. It was resolved to urge the Government to impose an incresised tax on vehicles imported in parts or complete. WAIROA, tliis day. The new hospital was opened yesterday by Mr Joseph Powdrell, Chairman of the County Council.- The function was a success. There was a procession, of volunteers, members, of local bodies, and Natives. A poi dance was given. Two bands played selections. Over five hundred people were present. The hospital i.s erected on a hill, and •commands an extensive view of the sea, river, and surroiuiding country. ' FEILDING, this day. A slight shock of earthquake was felt at 8.20 last evening. In the Police Court yesterday three local young men were changed with liaving been foundl on licensed premises at 10.20 p.m. on February lOtlu . Defendants stated that they were, there on business about a horse. They intended staying all night and had paid for their beds. The Magistrate was satisfied there was no intention on the .part of the defendants to stay all night until the arrival of the police. They were fined lCfe and costs 21s. WELLINGTON, this day. At a meeting of the shareholders of the Mauawatu Railway Company, it was decided that the remuneration of the directors sh-ill be one thousand pounds per annum, but the ■shareholders may in general meeting vote such further sum or sums as they may deem fit. This takes the place of article 81 of the articles of aNsoqVt-ifon of tlie ' "company, under which it is maudatory that in any year when the company pays a dividend of over 8 pelcent., the directors shall receive an additional £500, anid for every additional 2 per cent, an extra £500. There are seven candidates in the field for the Mayoralty of Wellington. The latest to announce themselves are Messrs C. H. Izard and tlia Hon. T. W. Hislop. Five of the candidates are members of the City Council. The .sequel to a disorderly scene at the Greytowu North Borough Council meating,* telegraphed on February 8, occurred yesterday, when the offending Councillor Bennett* was 'sued to recover £5, the amount of the fine imposed by the Mayor, Mr Bicknell. The action was dismissed, as the by-law under which it was imposed was ultra vires, having been parsed at an ordinary instead of a special meetmg. On a charge of assault on the Mayor, by tlirowing a minute book at him, Bennett was fined £5 and costs.

. The Methodist Conference resumed today. The Rev. C. Porter (64 votes) was elected Bible class organiser. Mi* Nott securing 58 votes. Tlw Conference d'e- , cidedi to suspend the standing ordlens to review the case of Waipawa, and decided to retain a married' man there. Tlie decision to place a thii^l married 1 man at Wellington was revoked. CHRISTCHURCH, tliis day. Entries for the Canterbury A. and P. Association's ram fair next Thursday and Friday total 3521, compared with. 4521 last year. For the ram show the entries total 83, compared with 96 last year. DUNEDIN, this day. A fire at Palmerston South this morning destroyed) the local newspaper office, the cottages of McTague, railway guard, and Johnston, blacksmith. The two lastnamed saved their effects.

Professor Kirk finds the potato blight general tliyougohut South Canterbury, on the Peninsula, and throughout the Taieri. The loss in North Otago will be very slight, provided the crops are promptly dug. HOKITHvA, this day. . The Supreme Court opened' before Mr Justice Cboper to-day. There are five criminal charges 'against six persons, including arson,, assault, robbery, carnal knowledge and! abortion. Civil business will be taken on Monday.

The Minister of Mines was interviewed at Ross last night, and subsequently entertained at a spread. In the coureo of liis remarks Mr McGowhii spoke further of the Government taking up pros, pecting work and doing all they could to assist the development of the goldfields, io which at first the prosperity of the colony was due. He recognised the necessity of completing the Ross railway extension, which would prove of public benefit. He also dealt with- other, local matters. He is proceeding to Canterbury to-morrow, and travelling "thence to the Otago goldfields.