NEW ZEALAND TELEGRAMS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 11024, 15 September 1897, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND TELEGRAMS.

THE TABMANIA ENQUIRY. Auoklavd, September 15. At the Tasmania inquiry a Maori witness deposed that on the night of the

wreck he saw the lights of a large steamer, side on, not moving, the bow towards the Cape. She must then hare been close in, and some distance from where he afterwards saw the masts. AU the rock» were close in shor«. Mr Clayton, timber merchant, Gisborne, deposed that he was the only person on deck when the Tasmania struck. At half-past ten he looked out of the social hall and could see land right ahead. It looked as if they were surrounded by land. Witness knew the coast line well. A little after this the course was altered. She was heading ronnd Table Cape. Shortly after she struck.

COMPLAINTS ABOUT NEW ZEALAND MUTTON.

Wellington, September 15. Mr Cnmeron, Government inspector of produce in London, reports on August 6th that New Zealaad sheep coining forward are not suitable for the trade, and that the River Plate sheep are going into consumption. What are wanted are carcasses from 50 to 60 lbs not 70 or over. The inspector says it is very disappointing year after year to flupply information and find no trouble is ever taken to act upon it. Year by year wholesale prices get lower and the demand does not increase. Far more energetic measures will have to be taken in New Zealand if we want to keep the trade. Lambs also are much too heavy and are being sold in the West End as finest English mutton. Respecting- butter Mr Cameron says the great thing wanted is regularity of shipment. The losses through this have boon enormous, and evpn if the freight is higher, butter ought to be shipped by regular mail steamers, and not by cargo boat?. Owing to the American competition tho prico of cheese is 'not expected to bo nea/ly so high this season. The Inspector complains of the way produce is handled in London. No attempt is made to secure meat against the effects of the weather, so his suggestion is to put an awning over the place where work is going on. Mutton is landed on tho wharf, laid on hot concrete, and wheeled in barrows to barges. NEW BAND INSTRUMENTS. The Garrison Band has imported a set of 25 instruments at a cost of £400. The trombones are constructed on anew principle, only patented after the instruments were maie, which renders them much easier to play and handle. The "nphoninms have a rangp of five octaves .n>»i?id of throe. COMMITTALS TO ASYLUM. Carl Locher, tho htibbnnd of tho woman who nearly killad lSforbury wilt

a revolver, and was adjudged, to be insane, has been committed to the asylum. Much, regrot is felt at the news. A well-known volunteer officer and barrister lias alao become deranged and has been committed to iho nsyltfm. .3ELLING WHISKY WITHOUT A LICENSE.

Intercaroill, September 14.

M. McCallum, of Edendale. forty years resident in the district, who lost his license when a reduction was carried in the Mataura district 8 years ago, was fined £15 for selling whiskey without a license. Defendant admitted the charge and stated he purchased two bottles of whiskey found on the premises from c local hotelkeeper, so the revenue did not suffer.