Latest Telegrams.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 704, 25 August 1870, Page 2

Latest Telegrams.

*> J^T Gbetmouth, Aug. 25, 9.12 a.m. *A.t 5.30 p.m. yesterday, the ketcb Constant, from Charleston, Pascoe, master, attempted to sail in over the bar at dead low water. She was struck broadside by a roller while tacking, capsized in a moment, and rolled over in the surf. The boat belonging to the p.s. Despatch was manned by a volunteer crew, who put off and went through the surf at great risk. They reached the wreck about twenty minutes after the accident. Harbourmaster Allardyce threw a line, which was caught by Captain Pascoe, who was holding on to the bobstay. He was thus saved. The crew, consisting of Peter Shields and James Carr, of Charleston, were drowned. The bodies have not yet been found. Dunedin, Aug. 24, 3.25 p.m. The Provincial Government intends to establish a Labour Registry Office at each Telegraph office in the province, so that the state of the labour market can be learned throughout the province at a moment's notice in Dunedin. The Government advertise employment for any number of men, at roadmaking, at 5s per day. Hokitika., Aug. 24, 11.7 a.m. A crowded public meeting was held in the Town Hall last night, r# the annexation of Westland to Otago. The Mayor occupied the chair, and after roundly abusing the County Council he said he had not made up his mind as to the advantage of joining Ofcago. Mr Button, barrister, moved tbe first resolution : — " That this meeting considers it advisable for Westland to seek annexation to Otago, in the event of the proposed annexation of the Greymouth district to Nelson becoming a fact, and in the event of the General Government refusing such assistance as will enable Westland to carry on the functions of Government." He made a long speech, impressing upon the meeting that his desire for annexation was contingent upon the eventualities referred to in the resolution. He compared County and Provincial insti-

tutions, favourably to th r^f?6wSa©r, which he said had not had a fair trial, and the present Ministry wefe determined they shonld not. His main argument was, that by uniting with Ofcago, powerful friends would be secured, who would not allow the General Government further to plunder Westland. The telegrams tbat had passed between the Annexation League and Mr Macandrew and others were read. One from the Hon. Mr J. Bonar, in which he said that he had always been in favour of a nominated Chairman of the County Council, excited surprise and hisses. People do not remember him to have announced this view publicly. Mr Macandrew's telegrams express a belief that annexation would be mutually beneficial. Mr BarfF's telegrams recommended the utmost caution. Mr Cassius seconded Mr Button's resolution. Mr Harvey, barrister, in an argumentative speech, deprecated the idea of annexation, and urged the meeting to cling to the boon of local selfgovernment. Mr Macfarlane followed on the same side. An amendment was then proposed, to the effect that the consideration of the question should be deferred for one week. The amendment, on being put to the meeting, was declared to be lost. The original motion was therefore carried. A petition to the House of Eepresentatives was submitted and adopted. It sets forth that, owing to losses by the capitation grant scheme, Westland is unable to carry on local self-govern-ment ; that the Government Bhould release Westland from her portion of the Canterbury debt; that the Government promise to take over the maintenance of the overland route to Christchurch, is coupled with a condition most distasteful to the petitioners, namely, the nomination of the Chairman of the County Council by the Government; and concludes by praying either to be released from the burden of its debts or annexed to Otago. A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the proceedings. Wellington, Aug. 24, 7.46 p.m. Mr Macandrew's mail service resolutions were adopted by the Government, with a few alterations, and carried in Committee on the voices. Auckland will be the first port of arrival, and the steamers will visit Wellington and Lyttelton, Fort Chalmers being the terminus. The subsidy, including contributions from other colonies, is not to exceed £40,000 per annum, and the contract time is not to exceed three years. Considerable opposition is likely to be offered to the adoption of the resolutions by the House. The Land Transfer Bill met with unanimous support, and the Government was congratulated on the introduction of such useful measures. The Bill was read a second time. The New Zealand University Bill has been restored to tbe Order Paper. Mr Tancred urged that the Bill should be confined to the establishment of an Otago University. Mr Macandrew has given notice of resolutions rescinding the Ofcago Provincial Council's resolution of June 9, in favour of £650,000 for a Public Works and Immigration Loan, and empowering the Colonial Treasurer to raise by way of loan a sum not exceeding £650,000 on behalf of the said province ; the interest and sinking fund of the loan to be legally secured on I the special security of three million j acres of land ; the loan to be negociated in proportions and at periods as required.