INTERPROVINCIAL.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 3298, 23 April 1885, Page 3

INTERP ROVINCIAL.

(By Telegraph.) AucxjjAND, April 22. The Hon. Mr Richardson, Minister for Public Works, is a passenger by the Coptic for Wellington. At the half-yearly meeting of tho shareholders of the Bank of Now Zealand held today the usual dividend and bonus were declared, and & balance of £25,000 was carried forward to next half-year. The figures show a, moderate increase in deposits and advances. Coin, bullion and Government securities held amount to £2,700,000. The Chairman congratulated the shareholders upon the s'eady progress of the colony notwithstanding the operation of important adverse influences.

Wangantti, April 22. An old soldier named Ohas. Kelly was found drowned in the river this morning. He had come into town at ten laßt night and when last seen was quite sober. When taken out of the river he had several large gashes on the face, the cause of which is not yet apparent. At the inquest tho evidence went to prove that he was only seen by two or three persons after the arrival of the south train last night, by which he was a passenger. The medical evidence proved that the wounds on his head did not cause his death, but that he probably fell down the embankment and stunned himself, and his head being under water he was suffocated. He was sober at the time. Therewasno evidence toaccount for his being at that place. Deceased told the last man who saw him alive that he was going home. The place where he was found is in a totally different direction. A verdict in accordance with tho medical evidence was returned.

A charge of handing a fraudulent marriage notice to the Wanganui Herald for publication will bo heard to-morrow in the Police Court. :

WELiraaTOjr, April 22. A - meeting of the Executive Council was held to-day at Government House. The burineas traniacted was purely of a formal VJd. ordinary routine character. After the

meeting terminated the Defence Minister had a conference with the Governor with reference to defences, but no information has beon allowed to transpire. It is understood the Government have sent Home further orders for defence material, but the nature of such is regarded as confidential. The Minister of Justice has received a telegram from Auckland' stating that two petitions are on their way to Wellington respecting the case of Prendergast, under sentence of death at Auckland for murder. One petition is from the jury who tried the caso, and the other is from residents of the neighborhood. Both refer to the condition of the condemned man's mind. The Government have therefore deferred their decision until the petitions have been received. A lengthy meeting of tlie Government Insurance Board was held yesterday, Sir Julius Vogel presiding. The proceedings lasted several hours, and it is understood that the main business was the question of appointing localboards. This was urged by Sir Julius "Vogel, and opposed by several other members of the Board, the result being that it was shown the majority were willing to carry out *ir Julius Vogel's wishes if at any meeting he determined on pressing them. The intention is to appoint local boards at Auckland, Duncdin and Christchurch only.

The body of Barlow was found in the ruins of Te Aro Houso at eleven o'clock this morning. The body was very much burnt. Chbistchubch. April 22. The " Silver King " company played for the la9t time to-night, after running ten nights to crowded houses.

DtJNBDiH, April 22. At Tapanui thia inorning, Mrs Moms, the wife of a miller, died very suddenly of heart disease.

A rathev novel defence was set up in a case of spearing trout heard at Tapaimi. The defendant eaid he was fishing on the previous day -when the fish carried away three to four yards of his tackle, and ho used the spear to recover it. A fine of £1 and costs was inflicted.

A fire occurred in a four-roomed house in South Dunedin to-day. The house was insured for £75, and the furniture for £25 in the Colonial Office.

M. Do Harven, the Belgian Commissioner, has returned to Dunedin.

Mr S. H. Jenkinson, who is leaving Dunedin to take an important position on the Melbourne Argus staff, was made tho recipient of a handsome silver inkstand from the officers of the local Telegraph Department. His fellow employees gave him a gold watch, and from the members of the Press in Dunedin he received a gold albert and appendages. The mounting of the big guns at Forbury and Lawyer's Head was completed to-day by Mr T. B. Low (Public Works), and SergeantMajor McKay (A.C), and should occasion require it, they could open fire to-morrow. Dunedin is therefore in a state of defence against bombardment from the sea. The mounting of the guns at Taiaroa Heads is expected to be finished early next week, thus completing tha defence of the harbor.