INTERPROVINCIAL.

Waikato Argus, Volume XIV, Issue 1477, 9 February 1903, Page 2

INTERPROVINCIAL.

(BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION). Wellington, Saturday. The estimated population of the colony on December 31 was 863,360. The male population was estimated at 45") 355, and the number of females at 407,975. The foregoing figures include the population of the Cook and other Pacific Islands annexed iu 1901, of which the total population i» given an 12,292, excluding Maoris. The population of of the colony during 1902 increased by •20.2 CS The Premiir has accepted an invitation from the North Island Main Trunk Railway League at Auckland, to accompany a party to visit the Ohaewai, Kaikohe aud Maukakai binds, through which the northern portion of the line passes. Mr Carroll will most likely start on a long tour of the King Country and other Northern native districts within the next fortnight. The Government has decided to reappoint Sir James Prendergast and Mr de C Malet, retiiing members of the Bank of New Zealand, to the directorate. There are indications of impending changes in the Stipendiary Magistrates of the colony, chiefly in the direction of transfer from one district to another. Sir Arthur Douglas, Under-Secretary for Defence, has informed the Government of his intention to resign the position. The number of Chinese in the colony on December 31 was estimated to be 2792, of whom 31 were females. The disappearance of a well-known business man from Wellington is causing comment iu the city to-day. Timaeu, Saturday.

A young man named Arthur Surridae, painter, residing at Temuka, was drowned last evening in the Milford lagoon. The deceased was with a fishing party when the boat capsized. Being unable to swim he quickly disappeared, and was not seen again. Gisborne, Saturday. Before the ship Gladys left to-day, a notice of claim for l'3o'lO for salvage was lodged by (lie Harbour Board on account of operations by its tug, It is understood also that the Union Company are making a substantial claim for the cost of towage to Auckland. The amount is stated to be £SOO. Blknhuih, Saturday. The death is announced of Mr VVm. Edward Clouston, the well-known and highly popular merchant, after a protracted illness. AstIBUKTON, Saturday. Some disigreemeut exists between the men working in the ballast pit and the officers of the railway permnient >, way. The men, who are paid at, the rate of 7s a day, say they are expected to excavate shingle and fall five trucks a day. This th, y hold is impossible, and consequently have struck work. The department have brought men fiom Christchurch to fill their places. The men out are negotiating with the department to get the matter amicab'y settled. Wellington, Last Night. At the Hutt Valley cycling meeting Sutherland (Christchurch), won the chief events. The members of the Wellington Garrison Bind, the winners of the band championship, received an enthusiastic reception on Saturday night. The Premier and Mayor were amongst the speakers.