HARBOUR BOARD MEETING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5572, 20 March 1886, Page 4

HARBOUR BOARD MEETING.

FRENCH CONVICTS. INTERRUPTED TRAFFIC. WELLINGTON, March 19. At a meeting of the Cabinet this afternoon, it was decided to recommend to His Excellency the Governor that the Now Zealand war-medal should be awarded to Colonel M'Donnel and Captain Gilbert Mair for services in the Maori war. The Colonial Secretary leaves for Auckland thiß evening in the Te Anau, and he ■will be accompanied by Mr Cooper, Undersecretary. A case of tuberculosis is reported from Wairarapa, and a veterinary surgeon has boen despatched to report on the case. At the annual meeting of the Harbour Board this afternoon, the Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report, said it was gratifying to the Board to observe that the work on the wharves during the year had resulted in a profit of JESOIO, or an inorease of JJ2600 on that of the previous twelve months. He.expressed an opinion that before long the Board would be in a position not only to provide increased accommodation, but also to lower the rates. Letters were read from the local agents of the Direct Steamship Companies, stating that it was their intention to take legal advice with reference to the action of the Board in asking for a return of wooldumping charges. The Premier has received a telegram from the Agent- General this morning, intimating that the French Government intend to transport 1000 convicts at an early date to the Isle of Pines. The Native Minister leaves for Wanganui to-morrow morning. At Gisborne, Mr Lock, M.H.R., addressed his constituents last night, and received a vote of thanks and confidence. At Kumara moro heavy rains have prevented the coach from crossing the Waimea

j creek, and the passengers for Chriatchurch, i including the Chief Justice, are detained here. They cannot proceed before morning ; if then they will be glad. There is a slip also on the Greymouth road, near Marsden.