TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

West Coast Times, Issue 2325, 9 September 1876, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

Invercargill, Sept. 8.

Roberts played his first billiard match in New Zealand in the Albion Hotel here last night. Ten shillings was charged for admission. One hundred and twenty were present. His opponent, Manson, is reckoned the best player in Southland. He received 600 out of 1000 from the Champion. Roberta' first break was 84. When Manson had scored his first 100, game stood, Manson 702, Roberts 418. After this tbe Champion scored more slowly, and when he made 500, Mansou's score was 744. When Manson made his second 100, game stood HOI, 606, and third 100. 900 and 804. All the latter part of the game Manson playe:' well, and when his score was 936 with Roberts at 859, it looked as if the match would be close. Roberts, however, set to work in earnest, and gave some splendid exhibitions pf his skill. His score rapidly increased, and he went out with a fine brake of 141, winning by 64 points. Roberts is a quick player, and always seems perfectly at ease, no matter where the balls are.

ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERIAL

DIFFICULTY.

POSITION COMPLICATED.

(TROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Wellington, Sep. 8. An extraordinary Ministerial difficulty has arisen.

A committee of the Legislative Council was appointed to inquire whether, by increasing the number from seven to nine, the Ministry were legally constituted, the Act restricting the number to seven. The Committee to-day reported and produced the opinions of Mr Reid, SolicitorGeneral, and Mr Travers. Their opinions were that, though the numbers of the Ministry were not limited, the Disqualification Act applied to more than seven accepting office while enjoying emolument, whether such emolument was salary or not. This would of course disqualify the Hon. John Hall, and it is understood he has been served with a writ for £200 for sitting in the Council, but it is said to bo a friendly suit to test the question. After the report was read, the Hon. Mr Waterhouse gave notice of motion concurring in the same. Dr Pollen said, notwithstanding the report he would proceed with the business, if no objection was raised, and the business was proceeded with.

In the House of Representatives the same question was brought up.

Mr Whitaker moved the postponement of the Attorney-General's Bill, until the report of the Disqualification Committee ou the same subject was received.

Sir George Grey contended there was no Ministry, and that the Ministers were not even members of the House. He intimated that he intended to take legal action to test their positions.

The Premier said that they intended going on with business till the question of disqualification was settled.

Sir George Grey and Mr Rees proposed an adjournment ot all business, but the motion was withdrawn and the business proceeded.

The position is, however, much complicated and business will be uneasy for another week.