INTERPROVINCIAL.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 3253, 28 February 1885, Page 3

INTERPROVINCIAL.

(By Telegraph.) Auckland, Fob. 27. At the native meeting at Kihikihi, to eonsider matters in connection with the railway and land, Wahanui stated the natives were about to prospect for gold in the interior, and Barry, who was present, would have charge of them with full direction. An immense bush fire is burning at the Union Sash and Door Company's bush at Tairua. Two men aro missing, and are suppoaed to have been burned to death. Mr G. Fisher, Mayor of Wellington, and Mr Sharmon, who have been here for the last few days on business connected with the Government Insurance Board, left by the steamer last night for Tauranga. They intend to visit the Lake country and then go overland to Wellington. The Mayor of Auckland accompanies them to the Lakes. The late Mr James, Secretary to the Board of Governors of the Auckland College and Grammar School, having a guaranteed policy of £500 in tho Standard Company, the Board have decided to make the claim on the Company for that amount. The total misappropriation discovered is £1249. His " shortage " seems to have been occasioned by unlucky speculations. James' accounts were to have been audited by the Provincial Auditor a few dayß after his death, and now that the defalcations are known, it is believed that the dreadful anxiety under which dedensed must have been laboring, had much to do with the attack which caused his death. About two months before James' death, one of the members of the Waitemata Council, of which Jamea was Secretary, discovered there was a little irregularity in the Secretary's cash, but it was rectified, and the accounts of the Council are found correct. The annual meeting of the lhames Valley and Botorua Railway Company was held today, Dr J. L. Campbell presiding. The report stated that the Directors forebore from entering into any history of the last year with regard to the railway, pending negotiations with Government for the completion of the line without the necessity of making further calls on the shareholders. The expenditure during the year was £44,017. The bank overdraft is £20,546. Messrs Dalay, Helconibe and Howard were re-elected Directors. Gisbokne, Feb. 27. A banquet was given to |Mr Ballance last night. In his speech on the occasion the Native Minister promised 'to get legislative powers to clear up incomplete land transactions on this coast, which he Baid was the only tiling that would give it renewed prosperity. Mr Ballance proposed to ask the Harbor Board, and urged them to make a breakwater on Sir J. Coode's plan. He premised to visit the Ngatiporou tribe at Waipati before tho session. Mr Ballance left by the Hinemoa, which arrived from Auckland at midnight. During his stay Mr Ballance attended a largo native meeting, and made a Bpeech generally of the tenor of that made by him at Kihikihi. Ho received «, number of deputations and answered many cases favorably. He refused a native request that he should stop the Waipu Land Court. New Plymouth, Feb. 27. At about half -past one o'clock this morning a building formerly used as an infant school in Gill street was burnt to the ground. The School Board sold the building last July at auction for £36, the purchaser immediately afterwards insuring it for £150 in the London and Lancashire Insurance Company. Wellington, Feb. 27. It is stated here that Major Cautley draws £1000 per yeav whilst engaged on the New Zealand defences. He is also provided with a secretary, and both draw travelling expenses. The Secretary to the Post-office notifies that the Australia, with the January English mails, left San Francisco for Auckland on the 16th inst., two days later than time-table date. The Zealandia, with the February colonial mails, arrived at San Francisca from Auckland on the 22nd inst., two days earlier than time-table date. Gbeymouth, Feb. 27. The State Schools have been closed for a term, partly to make repairs to drains, etc., and partly on account of cases of sore throat and snpposed diptheria among children. There has been a long spell of hot weather, which is supposed to have had something to do with the sickness. Cheistchukch, Feb. £7. The Acclimatisation Society have decided to recommend the Government to declare this year a close season for all imported game birds in this district. Tho season recommended for hares and all native game is from April Ist to July 31st. The result of the examination of the pupil teachers under the North Canterbury Education Board is most satisfactory. Out of 170 candidates in the various grades only 8 failed. Tho Inspectors reported that the failures are less numerous than in any previous year. This may be duo in some measure to tho fact that tho requiremeuti fop each year ire how

more precisely defined than formerly, and the questions set were well within the limits of these requirements. An Italian fishmonger burst a blood vessel while walking in H igh street at 8 o'clock tonight. He died in about five minutes. He had been ailing for some time. The Committee of the Early Closing Association report that nearly 100 tradespeople have agrreed to close on Thursday afternoon. The Canterbury Chess Club have agreed to invite Blackbourne, the celebrated player, now in New South Wales, to visit Christchurch, and give an exhibition of blindfold simultaneous play. The Club will guarantee £15 towards his expenses, as it is expected the Clubs in other towns willj take action in the matter. Oaatabu, Feb. 27. A sharp shock of earthquake was experienced in the town and country districts at eight minutes past eight this morning. The vibration, from the north-east, lasted about three seconds. The licensed victualler put all their candidates in to-day for three of the Borough districts. In the fourth the temperance party secured two seats. Dunedin, Feb. 27. Dr James Campbell, of Brunnerton, has offered his services as surgeon to the Dunedin contingent for the Soudan, and they have been accepted. He went through the FrancoPrussian war. The Junction Hotel, burned down last night, was insured for £500 in tho South British, and the furniture for £300 in the same office. The Dunedin Naval Artillery will send three representatives to the Wellington Eifle meeting. INVEECABGILL, Feb. 27. The Bluff Harbor Board to-day made a temporary appointment to the staff consequent on Captain Edie's refusal to take office after being appointed. It was resolved to advertise for a Harbor Master, the salary being raised to £400 on the casting vote of the Chairman. It was proposed to consult the Board's solicitor as to the possibility of making Captain Edie reimburse the Board for loss incurred through his action, but the motion was not carried. The weather continues remarkably fine but sultry.