NEW ZEALAND.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3651, 23 December 1879, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND.

[Tikes' Special Wibh.] AUCKLAND, Dec. 22. Athletics. For the Athletic Sports at Ellerslie, on Boxing Day, there are 72 entries for all the events, a larger number than has over been made in Auckland before. Rainfall. The total rainfall for the week was 3'657in, exceeding the average quantity for the entire month of December during the past 15 years. Indifference. At a sale of crown rural lands the bidding was indifferent. AUCKLAND, Dec. 23. The s.s. Taupo. The Glenelg took down pumps and a steam engine to the wrecked steamer Taupo. Another attempt to raise her will be made in s few days. Death of a Prince. Prince David Nga, eldest son of King George, of Tonga, who accompanied the Ben Shirley Baker here, has died of dropsy. Mi Baker intends removing the body to Tonga and a leaden coffin, hermetically sealed, hai been procured. The deceased was 54 years oi age, and Governor of Yauvau. The Catholic Archbishop. Archbishop Stein arrived by the Binga rooma at a very early hour, and was receiveby a deputation of the clergy and laity, anc conducted to his residence at Ponsonby. A publio reception at the Cathedral will taki place this evening. Dempsey Again. The Government Engineer notifies tha' Dempsey's men must obtain judgment in al cases against Dempßey beforo the Governrnen can pay their claims. The Government hart ■erred notice on Dempsey to proceed with hi contract in seven days from Dec. 20. GBAHAMSTOWN, Dec. 22. Fire. A fire broke out early this morning in Pollen street, in the empty shop of James Wilson, tinsmith, which was totolly destroyed, as well as Machin's drapery shop, adjoining. The latter had recently "insured for £'100 in the Norwich Union. The fire oxtended to Everett'B grocery store, which was burnt to the ground. Stevens' private house caught fire, hut was saved by the exertions of the spectators. Several other shops had a narrow escape. A large quantity of Btock was destroyed by removal and water. The Fire Brigade rendered good service, but the supply of water was bad. NAPIEB, Dec. 22. Recovered. The schooner Sunbeam has been recovered, and is safe in harbour, though still bottom upwards. Disputed Will. The Supreme Couit concluded its sittings to-day. The case of Henare Tamoana v. Hono Nahe, a dispute concerning the will of the old chiof Karaitiana, was adjourned to the April sittings at Wellington. NEW PLYMOUTH, Dbc. 22. Try Him Again. James Hill, hospital steward, charged with indecent assault, was again arraigned, the jury he was tried before last week not agreeing to a verdict. Several witnesses wero examined, and the trial was adjourned until to-morrow. - '.... Reckless Financier. , A meeting of the County Council will be > held to consider itß financial position. Ac-, . cording to the report of the Committee it appeared that there are assets of £1816 to meet liabilities of £4454. It was decided to wait upon/Major Atkinson on bis return, and represent to him tbat much of the expend.-

tura haa been on Government roads, and tc Bee if ho cannot assist them in the mattor. WELLINGTON, Dec 22. Wind Up. At a meoting of tho Tramway Company this afternoon a resolution to wind up the Company was unanimously oarried, and it is generally understood that the directors will purchase the interest. . ■ - Dead. A cbieftaincs. named Caroline Tairoa, the eldest sister of tho Hon Wi Tako, Ngatata, died at Te Aro Pah last evening. A Suitable Presentation. The Hon H. Millar, who has been for a number of years connected with the New Zealand Times and Mail was on Saturday presented with a valuable collection of books on the occasion of his departure for Nelson. Cricket. A orii'.ct match between Wanganui and Wellington will be played to-morrow. The betting is in favour of Wanganui. Damages Wanted. At the Compensation Court to-day, before His Honor tho Chief Justice and two experts, several claims were argued. In one, damages were claimed for loss alleged to have been sustained by the lowering of a certain footpath. Tbo Court adjourned until Jan. 2, to consider which was the proper mode to ascertain the amount of damage. HOKITIKA, Dec. 22. / Weather Bound. I The Christchurch coach, due hero on SaturJuay last, has not arrived yet. It has been [detained at tho Bealey, with fourteen passengers and a heavy mail. It has been blowing a gale of wind here for four days, with heavy rain, and is still blowing and raining. All traffio by land or sea is stopped. Tbo rivers are flooded, and there is no Bign of abatement. DUNEDIN, Dbo. 22. Stop Proceedings. The Harbour Board havo appointed Messrs Rair say, Fish, Wolcott, Houghton, and Captain Logan to confer with the Engineer, as to whether any works at present in progress can be discontinued, ponding the Board receiving Parliamentary authority to borrow money. / Fish Thrown. Out. f At the Resident Magistrate's Court this morning, Mr W. L. Simpson, R.M., delivered judgment on the petition of Messrs Walter and two other, ratepayers-, praying that Mr H. S. Fish, jun., be ousted from the position of Mayor of Dunedin, on the ground that he wa3 subcontractor for the new Town Hall. Tho judgment unseated Mr Fish-, and declared Mr Walter to be next on the poll, and duly ■elected. r Arrested on Suspicion.A house belonging to Mr MoUeson, and situated at Olaria, was burned down on Friday. Two bojs have been arrested on suspicion. The houso was uninhabited and isolated. It was insured for £200 in tho Sun office. -