(Press Agency.)

Timaru Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 1342, 8 January 1879, Page 2

(Press Agency.)

of footballers, Wellington footballers resolved t) telegraph to Auckland that they were prepared to guarantee £200 towards their expenses. The erection of permanent railway workshops has been commenced at Picton, large steam lathes having already been put m wnrkinu order. The Neio Zealander says there is no truth m the rumor that the Government experienced a difficulty m regard to the La:id Tax Act. The New Zealanders article to-day says " At any rate, one thing is quite clear. The Legislative Cuncil of New Zea'and cannot he allowed to pursue the course which of late, years seems to have commended itself to them — namely, persistently, and with deliberation, insisting upon thwarting the development of a liberal policy, and obstructing every measure which has for its object the relief of the burdens of the people, endeavoring to create class privileges m favor of the wealthy lower orders, and by restricting the franchise, preventing the j practical expression of the popular voice. It is stated that several members of the late New Guinea expedition have decided to make another attempt to open up trade with that place. They purpose taking a botanist and geologist, and making a twelve months stay m that country, taking up" their residence among the Natives. Blenheim, Jan. 7. The Insurance agents met yesterdiy, j and resolved to recommend their head I offices to offer £30 to supplement the <. Government's offer of £200, and a free pardon, for evidence which will lead to the conviction of the person who set fire to the Government Buildings m November, 1876. This is confidently expected to have the desired effect. Christchcrch, Jan. 7. Although free paases have been refused to the newspapers oi the Colony, it is a notorious fact that Government clerks of all degrees have been granted passes during their pleasure trips, and a day or two ago a lady, a " friend of the family," received a similar privilege. No one is now found willing to back the Canterbury cricketers at any odds. Invekcakgili., Jan. 7. Mr McKinley, while returning from Waianapa this evening, saw a bullockdriver lying on the road. On examination he found that he was dead, and from his appearance concluded that the dray had passed over the right side of his face. His team was standing about 200 yards away, grazing. Mr McKinley rode to town and reported to the police ; and a constable was sent out to remove the body to the nearest public-house, where an inquest is to be held.

Auckland, Jan. 7. William Maples, of the Occidental Hotel, was fined £10 and costs for permitting gambling m his house. The Inspector said the men engaged m gambling on the night m question were all professionals. The system had a bad effect on the young men of the city, and many were drawn into a vortex of ruin through its influence. At the settling on the Summer Meetinsr, Vallance received £608 ; McDonald, £342 ; Butler, £153 ; Buckland, £148 ; Walters, £96 ; Perkins, £70 ; Percival, £50 ; Day, £58 ; Carlton, £38 ; and a few other lesser amounts. Mr Kissling had a large funeral. His life was insured m the Australian Mutual Provident Society for £3000, and m another office for £4000. At the Supreme Court, Thos. Fillget, for plucing un obstruction on the railway, was acquitted, the evidence not being sufficient. Alexandra, Jan. 7An excursion party, this morning, accompanied by a half-caste guide, were about proceeding to the top of Pironga, seeking for plants, and were met on the Waipa bridge by Henare and another Native, who forbade them to proceed, threatening, if they did so, that an armed party would be sent after them to compel their return. Ultimately, through the representations of Major Mair and Te Wheoro, the party were allowed to proceed, on premising not to encroach on Native territory. Grahamstown. Jan. 7. The Kuranui mine has got rich stone m new lodes, near the old Shotover. The ground is expected to give 12 oz to the ton. Napier, Jan. 7An inquest was held on the late fire, which resulted from sparks from the railway engines at Waipukurau. From the evidence, it appeared that the property destroyed was worth £4000, and belonged to the following settlers, viz : — Hon. H. R. Russell, Messrs G. Russell, F. H. Drower, John Harding, J. Hayes. Taking evidence occupied six hours. The following verdict was given : — " That the whole of the fires that took place on the 21st, 24th, and 25th December last, by which a large amount of property was destroyed both north and south of the Waipukurau rail-way-station, was caused by sparks from the railway engines." The following rider was added : — " That the jury consider the railway authorities are solely to blame for not having spark-catchers and fire-boxes, and the guard attached to the engines ; also, m not taking extra precaution for placing men along the line after being duly warned." The sessions of the Grand Lodge 1.0. G.T. of New Zealand North were resumed this morning. The business was chiefly reports of the working of the Order throughout the Island, with highly instructive information as to rendering it more efficient. A most cordial message of congratulation from the Grand Worthy Secretary, J. W. Baker (New South Wales), was received by telegram during the morning. Wellington, Jan. 7. In the Supreme Court this morning Jas. Murphy, who was last night found guilty of attempted rape on a little girl, was sentenced to thtee years, and one whipping of 25 lashes. George Webb for fergery to 12 months ; and Wm. Watson | for robbery to three years. The question of free passes on the railway to newspapers is still undecided, though certain Newspaper proprietors have made representations on the matter. ■' < In view of a visit from the English team I