TELEGRAMS

Southland Times, Issue 13189, 10 April 1895, Page 2

TELEGRAMS

(Per Pbess Association).

WELLINGTON, April 9.

The Patent Slip Company propose to pay a dividend of 5 per cent. ; to set aside L2OOO as a reserve, and to carrj- forward the balance (L 1749 The Surveyor-General is urging the establishment of settlements on the Chatham Islands under the New Zealand land laws, and the Minister for Lands is considering the question. Mr Smith’s suggestion is that the Native Land Purchase Act should be extended to the Chathams, where there is a good deal of good land available, but none in the hands of the Crown.

The Post states that proceedings have been going on which it probable that the Midland Railway arbitration will not take place as originally proposed, and that other proceedings are likely to supervene. A Gazette Extraordinary further pror igues Parliament until 30th May. At a meeting of the City Council the Finance Committee’s report recommended a hal f -penny increase in the charitable aid rate and one penny in the drainage rate, but as a reduction equal to a penny farthing in the water rate was recommended the increase really amounted to a farthing, the total rate being 3s 2Ad. At the Chamber of Commerce to-day Mr D. J. Nathan submitted a scheme re the frozen meat trade which tended in the direction of all existing companies in the colony amalgamating and the works being taken over at valuation; shareholders in the existing companies taking shares in the new company. The scheme, he poinied out, would require a capital of from two to four millions sterling, which could be raised in London by means of debentures guaranteed in the colony at 3| per cent., the interest and sinking fund for which would be secured by the imposition of a tax of 3d per head on flocks. It was decided to print the report and circulate it among the Chambers of Commerce in the colony. Mr Gear, of the Gear Meat Company, wrote objecting to the scheme, but several letters from farmers and others were received supporting it. The three lads, Ferkins, Woolcott, and Bolwand, were acquitted by Mr Martin, S.M , on the charge of having forged a number of tramway tickets, as the evidence of the tickets having been forged was not complete. The delay in the appointment of an umpire is caused by the refusal of the arbitrator in the Midland Railway dispute to appoint anyone of less rank than their own. There is also an objection to taking a judge because the case may come to the Supreme Court on law points. It is evident there will be some delay before the court gets to work. This means considerable expense, for everyone was ready yesterday except the arbitrators themselves. It is not at all likely that arbitration will be final, for both parties have the right of going to court on points of law, and it is well understood that whoever gains the verdict the Privy Council is certain to have the final decision.

CHRISTCHURCH, April 9. The New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association to-night decided to hold the next Australasian Championship meeting at Christchurch on 2nd and 4th January, 1896. Mr R. Meredith, M. H. R., addressed a meeting of his constituents in Ashley last night and received a vote of thanks and.confidence. Captain Russell will address a public meeting here to-morrow night. The building burned in Manchester street last night, was owned by Mrs A. R. Creyke, and was insured for L4OO in the Live rpool, London and Globe office. Clayton’s stock, tools and plant were insured for L2OO in the Manchester office, and Burns’ furniture, and stock for L5O in the Union office. J. Hislop and Co. were uninsured. TIMARU, April 9. The Harbour Board has appointed Mr J. P. Maxwell consulting engineer.

George Alves, station manager, was committed for trial to-day on five charges of forgery. DUNEDIN, April 9. The directors of the Mosgiol Woollen Factory Company have declared an interim dividend at the rate of 6 per cent, per nnum. X At a meeting of the Knox Church congregation it was decided to give a unanimous call to the Rev. W. Hewitson, 8.A., of Brunswick, Melbourne, in succession to the late' Dr Stuart.