TELEGRAMS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3950, 15 December 1880, Page 3

TELEGRAMS.

[Peb Pbess Association.] AUOKLAND, Deo. 14. Inter-Communication. Mr W. Lodder, Manager of the Auckland Steamship Company, was a passenger to Levuka by the Albion. The object of his visit is to endeavour to arrange for a proposed fortnightly steam service between Auokland and Levuka. Both Sir Arthur Gordon and Governor Des Vceux are anxious that trips of the Company's Bteamers should ho more frequent, and should the finances of Fiji and the Colony warrant the expenditure, a vote will be asked for in aid of the scheme. Mr Lodder proceeds to Levuka to mako inquiries and ascertain the necessary information, and on his return the proposed fortnightly trips will receive a final consideration. Wiping Out the Pinafore Pees. The firat meeting of the creditors in the estate of William Horace Lingard, the actor, waß to have been held this. morning, but in consequence of the non-appearance of any of the interested parties, the meeting was adjourned. Assets, quite nominal, £1053 ; liabilities, £1100. A Pleasant Excursion. The excursionists by tho Southern Cross Mission schooner wero present at the opening of St Barnabas mission church on Norfolk Island, which took place on Dec. 7. The time on the Island was passed very pleasantly, being occupied by picnics, entertainments, and various other amusements. Exploring parties were formed, and interesting spots on the Island were visited, and curiosities of all descriptions were collected and stowed away on board to be brought to Auckland. Tho Islanders did all in their power to add to the comfort of the excursionists, and tho trip was acknowledged by all to have been a most enjoyable one. Doubled Up. Sinking Fund during a gallop with Lonehand to-day broke down badly. It is thought that he will not be able again to undergo preparation. WELLINGTON, Dec. 14. Ministerial Changes. It haß now been decided that the Hon W. Rolleston Bhall take charge almost immediately of the Mines Department. This necessitates his being relieved of some of his present duties, and the Hon Mr Dick will therefore tako over the Educational Department. This latter change, however, does not indicate any intention whatever of altering the policy of the Government regarding education. A Fortunate Widow. At a meeting of the Executivo Council today, it was decided that a gratuity be givon to Mrs Manßford of an amount equal to 14 months' salary of the lato Judge Mansford. Endowment WantedAt a meeting of the Hutt County Council to-day, it was resolved that the Council cooperate with the Wairoa County Council in endeavouring to obtain endowments from j Government for counties, on the Bame footing as municipalities, and also for amending the Waste Lands Act. Aquatic Active preparations aro being made to hold a regatta here on Jan. 1. TIMARU, Dec. 14. Slipped and Away. A hoavy easterly gale has been blowing all day. All tho vessels insido tho breakwater rode it out safely. The barquo Especulador, lying outside, dragged this afternoon, but she did not put her second anchor down till signalled to by the Harbour Master. Shortly after dropping her second anchor, sbe secured the services of the s.s. Taiaroa, and was towed out to eea after slipping both anchors. She will probably proceed to Dunedin. OAMARU, Due. 14. A Discreet Minister. Mr Oliver arrivod hero yesterday, but has given no opportunity to soveral deputations appointed to see him, of conferring on subjects of importance to this district. Nothing is known of Mr Oliver's intentions regarding these deputations, as he has given no indication of what ho intends doing. DUNEDIN, Dec 14. Mean. The question of voting a salary to Mr H. J. Walter, the retiring Mayor, was permanently shelved to-day, several Councillors retiring and leaving no quorum. INVEROARGILL, Dec. 15. Spark-catchers Wanted, i , Last night tbe storo of Messrs Harris and >

Co., Lowther, was burned down. No goods were saved. The insurance on the goods and the building was £160, in the New Zealand Company, but they wero valued at £400. It is believed the fire was caused by sparks from a passing engine, the building being near the Waimea Plains line, on which Native coal is burned. There was no spark- catoher, and the sufferer intends to apply for compensation.