INTERPROVINCIAL.

Timaru Herald, Volume L, Issue 4738, 8 January 1890, Page 3

I NT ERPROVI NCIA L.

« (BY TELEGRAPH.) NAPIER, Jas. 7. A gale is blowing, with heavy sea and rain. WELLINGTON, Jan. 1. Tho Hon. Mr Mitcbelscn hos received a telegram from Major Atkinson saying that he is much better. The Premier talks of returning but Ministers aro trying to diaauade him from coming back until he is thoroughly established m health. The land sales for December show a great falling off, except m Auckland, which heads tho colony m tbis respect both m December and November. Disappointment is felt at Stephenson and Matteraon not being aboard the steamer Hauroto, which arrived from Sydney this j morning. A largo number of rowing men I weia on the wharf to welcome them. Ihey possibly may be m tho Jubilee, whieb is expected later m tbe day. The Agent-General informs the Government that he has received sample sofsis al from the Governor of the Bahamas, chewing a great proportion of fibre m tho leaf. The Governor states that the cultivation of tho plant has been successful beyond anticipation. Sir F. D. Bell has also obtained three samples of cordage mado m America f rote New Zaal— id flax. It ia now extensively used m the States for cordage purposes, as distinct from binder twine. Merchants m London are anxious to get regular and authentic information of actual shipments from New Zealand to England, the United States, and any other country. A largo part of the increased importation m 1889 represents orders for transhipment to America, whero the consumption is clearly increasing much beyond what was expected by the trade a fewmonthß ago. It is anticipated m London that 15,000 tons will be exported from New Zealand this year, and tbe prospect of 6uch a sudden augmentation makes it very essential there should bo some regular information available. One of the passengers by tbo Hauroto from Sydney to-day was the Rev. John Bowden S.M.M.A.,who comes from Ireland under engagement to lake tbe chair of classics at St. •Patrick's College. Mr Bowden is a young _Tew Zealander, having been born at Hokitika m 1866. Twelve years ago he went Howe and received his education at St. Mary's College, Dundalk, passing from thero to the Royal University, Dublin, where he obtained an exhibition and subsequently graduated with honours. A new racing club, to be called the Island Bay Hack pacing Club, has been formed hero. A programme bas been drawn up for ihe jubilee meeting to be held on tho Island B*y course on the 25th inst, and bas been approved by tho Wellington Racing Club. ■'tk« preliminary enquiry into tho fire which occurred on board the Arawa was held before tbe Acting Collector of Customs. Tbo evidence, which threw no light on tbe origin of the fire, haa _een forwarded ts the Marine Department. Mr Robert Leckie, privat9 secretary to tbe Premier, left to-night by the Takapuna to meat Sir Harry Atkinson at tbe Bluff. The Hon. Mr Mitchelson, acting-Premier, returned from Auckland this evening. A conference of the Native Land Court ■T-dges is being beid here. It is understood _h_: the meeting waa called to assimilate the mode of procedure acd to fix sittings of the court. A private letter received from Melbourne announces the cVath of Mr Frederick Bond, formerlj of the Battard staff here. BLENHEIM, Jan. 7. The following men of the Marlborough contingent to tho Rifle Association's meeting left for Dunedin to-day : — Captain Griffiths, Sergeants Maddock, Porick, Wcmyss, and Jamee, Corporal Brewatcr, Privates Harding, Pureer, Ransome, Troopers Cameron and Andrill. fIHRISTCHUHCH, Jah. 7. Tho tender ot" J. Anderson for tho 'conetrucfion of the _i'»t section of the Midland Railway at SprinetWd is accopted. Tbe total cost will exceed _60,000. DUNSDIN, Jak. 7. Bishop Moran proceeds to Sy.dney to assist at the consecration of the cathedra! there. At tho inquest on tho body of tbe boy But— in, who was accidentally killed, no blame ■wae imputed to the driver. Tho Government decline to pvt a telegraph wire to tho rifle range, as the Association is unwilling to contribute towards tbe expenee. The telephone will be m direct communication _w Kb- the range. At a meeting of members of tbo New Zeals!—l Bile Association, presided over by tbe may or, a committeo was appointed to canvass •for subscriptions, and to arrange entertainment for tho visitors. Mr Oscar Meyer, commissioner for Now ■South Wates, has received a cable message etatio- lhat Mr McMillan, tbo Colonial Treasurer, Ur Gould, the Minis— ir of Justice, tlio Hon. W. White; MX. A.. (New South: Walee), and Mr Eddy, Hailway Csmmis-i s— mer, left Melbourne for Dunedin yesterday. The Hon. D. O'Connor waa unable to come. James Murdoch, a quarryman, fell over a cliff a distance of 40 feet, while firing a blast nt tbo Heads to-day. Be is not expected to Jivo through tho night.