New Zealand.

Southland Times, Issue 18058, 30 January 1903, Page 2

New Zealand.

Per United Press Association.

' * V/.V AUCKLAND; ?3 an. ; 29. The anniversary^ regatta marred for rowing events by a strong; wind aiid heavy sea.: , /Volunteer woiji thef^pen handicap yacht race,--R^nbowijoingf--aec-oud. The Thelma carried away her mast wlille- holding a good position. There were races for the boats of ; - the warshfps Archer, Penguin, and LiaSrd. In the sailing race, the Archer's \rere 'first and seconds V : . ■ ;

Two boys, James Henry 'Sergeant and Arthur Huddle, undergoing a sentenc^ on ton charges of arson; have confessed that they set. fire to Roberts' biscuit factory some months ago, wheia several thousand pounds worth of damage ; was done.; .

WELLINGTON,' ITan . 29.

During the past iwelye mont^jsj c 9' Chinese arrived in the \ colony r lin~d r 'S7~ took their departure: Four Japapesb arrived, Among the foreigners of l?uroi»ean birth, who arrived^ Germans were^/Hiost numerous, Sss ' landing at-" various poHs during the quarter ended [Dec. 81. ;

A cable lriessage from the gTOer^l bffi-' cer commanding^ in* South Africa 'Btatea that Owing 'W the; War Office^ot having settled ~ the Cape Cqiony- Stations, tender^fprma for meat; cbulmcts ..'.were delayed and agents in South Alrico^ *ah still tender. It Is luipossible to extend the time for -tendering, jas the new con* tracts must begin in: April, „;^,;

It is eaid that Mr T: : Y; Duncan contemplates resigning his; portfolioi as ;Mlnibter for Lands' owing to; faiUngheaUh;

Mr Tuiibridge, ;Comxnisaiol>er of Policy Is resigning^ owing to ill-health,: lie ;1 -if, not sure when ho leaves the service; Vbt the N.Z.\ Goyernment, ]but expects, to be relieved very shortly^aiid will then -leave for England.: ■ 1 When in England the Premier asked that ono ot the Australian squadrqax be placed at the disposal of the' New Zealand Governmont as a. training rflip. and there is every prospect of: his request being granted. The Premier and Commander Noel have diflcUSfled tMinatter. and the latter tWnka the Liaard OC Sparrow euitabU for tb» pwpos^ -

Mr W. Hogarth, of the Stores Department Naval Station in Sydney, leaveß for the South by. the Mokoia to-day. The principal requirements for the station are salt beef and pork, tinned beef, mutton, candies, soap and jam, and, as supplies for tha China station are drawn from Sydney, considerable quantities are required. ;■'-'■ Dunedin, Wellington, Wanganui , G isborne, and; .Napier;.' are nominatod as ports of call for the Kent, the next steamer for South Africa under the subsidy service. * V%.Tfo.'.Miiilster^f6r Public Works has promised, to increase the pay of Government carpenters if satisfied they are entitled to it under the ruling market rates. BLENHEIM, Jan. 29. Heavy rains are considerably hampering harvest operations. Snow fell on the ranges during the night. The Government has decided to take Plaxbourne Estate under the compulsory provisions of -the Lands for Settlement Act. OAMABU, Jan. 29. A meeting of grain merchants and agents decided to adhere to the custom that has existed hare for years with regard to sacks.. Growers selling to merchants will be allowed one J penny less than they paid for the sacks and the opening price for the season will be 4£d. Those who buy grain here will be charged a uniform price for the sacks. Grain merchants, here say the system has worked so satisfactorily that they do not intend to alter it. . - :^-:-; : ''-.'-V : ;^lJKrßpiN, Jan. 29. Negotiations have '"■.•■ been completed whelreby*^he,Ra*)bit Trappers' Association of Otago and Southland is enabled "to /ship rabbits r direct to London. Mr J. J. Ramsay, one of the trustees, is visiting various centres to make the necessary arrangements.