NEW ZEALAND TELEGRAMS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XL, Issue 9254, 2 December 1891, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND TELEGRAMS.

KERM 4DEO ISLANDS. Auckland, December 1. The Government steamer Hineiuoa arrived to-day from the Kermadec Groupe. The passengers were: — Messrs Robinson and wife, and Stratford. Captain Fairchild reports finding the depot of provisions on all the islands intact, with the exception of Curtis Island, where the buildings and stores were destroyed through volcanic action,, sulphur fumes corroding everything* He recommends the depot be abandoned. Several settlers returned by the steamer from Sunday Island disgusted with the prospect of the settlement, but Messrs Carver, Bell and Tamil}', still roiuaui, making a fair living. During tho twelve months since tho Hiueinoa last visited Sunday Island, only one vessel had called there. FLAX FIELD BURNT. Auckland, December 'J. An immense area of growing flax between Tepuke and Maketu huh been destroyed by fire, representing a loss of thousauds of pounds, NATIVE DEPARTMENT. Wellington, December 2. ! It is not intended to fill up (lie late Mr Lewis's position iv the Native Department, and it is understood that. Mr Cadman is in favor of amalgamating the Department with others, though probably no steps in this direction will be taken for somo time. Tho land purchase section would naturally fall.te^ the Minister of Lands, and the LaIST Courts to the Justice Department. VACANT SEAT. The Government intends to fight the Wellington election energetically against Mr Bell, if he stands. Mr Fra^er has withdrawn in favor of Mr McLean. STRIKE OF. NAVY EB. Greymouth, December 2. The navvies ©f the Honey Creek contract have struck for 10s per day. The contractors decline to pay more than 9s, which they have been paying all along, and is the basis on which they tendered.