INTERPROVINCIAL

West Coast Times, Issue 10672, 28 December 1897, Page 3

INTERPROVINCIAL

[Per United Pkess Association.

Wellington, Dec 27 . The Times understands a Royal Commission will beappoint'ed to" investigate the condition of the -kauri gum industry north of Auckland and special 1 y the subject of contract labor. The Commission wilj be Mrs Mueller, Commissioner of Crown Lands, Auckland, and Mr Tregeav, Secretary of the Labor Department., ( Obituary. — C D Barraud, a well-known and widely esteemed citizen. Death was due to a seveie attack oE infiuenz \." '

A Departmental enquiry into the circimstances of the accident which nearly resulted in derailing, the excursion train near Pahiatua on the occasion of the

opening of the Palnatua "on the occasion of the opening of the Woodville railway is to be held. . m

A man named James Teuton attempted suicide yesterday by swallowing a quantity of match heads. He was taken to the hospital where he was brought round* A southerly buster came up early last night and it was bitterly cold. The wind proved a trying contrast to the excessive heat which had prevailed during the previous two or three days. Rain fell heavily during the night and part of the morning but cleared off about mid-day and the afternoon turnei out bright although a cold wind still prevailed. The unfortunate turn in the weather interfered largely with the excursions and picnics but about 800 people faced the elements and went on a marine excursion to Picton in the Rotomahana. A fair number of excursionists patronised the early trains to the country but the traffic would have been very much heavier had the weather kept up. The rain, however, should do a great deal of good as it was wanted badjy. The.; wind is backing up strongly again from the south to-night and more rain is threatening. ;

- ■ -• ' Nelson, Dec 27. The athletic sports at Wakefield to-day attracted, a Jarge, number. • . • : ■ This morning a remarkable southerly eqnaU was experienced for about 2 hours. Hail fell in town and it becxine very cold. On the mountains close by there was snow. The, afternoon was beautiful and the lawn tennis tournament started but there is no result yet.