TELEGRAMS.

Southland Times, Issue 13671, 5 February 1897, Page 2

TELEGRAMS.

(Per Press association).

WELLINGTON, Feb. 4.

The following appointments have been made to the Legislative Council; D. Pinkerton, ex-M.H.R., Dunedin; W. Kelly, exM.H.R., Bay of Plenty ; Major Harris, exM.H.R., Franklyn. It is intended to alter the regulations in regard to the enrolment of men in the police force. Applicants will not be required to have served in the Permanent Artillery, bub men who have served three years in that force will have preference, if suitable. All applications will have to be renewed annually. No promotions have been made in the police force for a considerable period and after careful consideration the Minister has decided to make a large number, both of sergeants and constables. Where efficiency or suitability have been shown promotion will be given according to seniority. The Customs duties collected in the December quarter amounted to L 464.331, against L 406.009 in the same period of 1895. The beer duty was L 21.117 as against L 17,653. The gold entered for exportation in 1896 was valued at L 1,041,764 as against L 1,162,164: in 1895. The Wairarapa Farmers’ Co-operative Association is extending its business to Wellington and making a new issue of shares at 2b 6a.

The Bank of New Zealand has disposed of the hardware business of T. and S. Morrin and Co., Limited, Auckland, to Mr R. Fenwick, who for the past six years has been manager of the business. Lord Brassey, who has sailed for Melbourne, will not call at Nelson with the Sunbeam, but has informed the Mayor of that town that he will visit the district when he returns to New Zealand about the end of the year. It is stated that the Governor has agreed to receive the nominations of three Legislative Councillors to fill the vacancies left by the deaths of Sir P. Buckley, Dr Pollen and Mr Pharazyn. Very full arrangements have been made for signalising the Governor’s departure on Saturday with fitting ceremonial. The wharf will be lined by the local forces and several bands will be present. The Talune will be escorted down the harbour by a number of steamers, yachts, launches, and the Rowing Club’s boats. WOODVILLE, Feb. 4.

At a meeting of the Opposition pwty Mr Manisty, the Opposition candidate at the late election, was presented with a purse of sovereigns as a mark of appreciation of the manner in which he had fought the recent. Pahiatua contest. Messrs Lethbridge and McLean, M.H.R.’s spoke; so also did Mr McLean, president: of the Hawke’s B*y branch of the National Association. It is probable that a branch of the National Association will be formed for this electorate. CHRISTCHURCH, Feb. 4.

A fire this morning destroys I a six-roomed house at Linwood, owned and occupied by A. Moir. It was insured for Ll5O in the New Zealand Office. The furniture was not in. sured, and very little was saved.