News of the Week.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XII, Issue 8, 13 June 1884, Page 9

News of the Week.

Friday.

The third session of the eighth Pailiament of New Zealand was opened yesterday. The Governor, in .his speech, said that the depression had been intensified by unseasonable weather which in]ured the harvest, but that it had been caused chiefly by the reduced value of wool and wheat. His Excellency approved of immigration, pnd pronounced the system of disposing of Grown Lands by lease to have been successful. He alluded to the manner in which the natives have been for some years treated as pxoducing more friendly relations between the two races, and announced that a Bill would be introduced to permit the disposal of Native land only through the land boards of the Colony, or by direct sale to the Crown. The lessened income, he said, from the principal industries of the country has led to greater frugality of living an..,ng the people, and during the past financial year the receipts from some of the principal sources of revenue have consequently fallen short of the amounts they were estimated to yield. This reduction in the Colonial revenue calls for greater economy and dimii ished expenditure in the public service. He. also alluded to confederation and annexation, to which the attention of Parliament will be called- & Bill being introduced for the establishment of a Federal Council. Returns to be laid before the House will show a large increase of traffic' on the railways, but still a deficiency having occurred in the receipts as compared with the es imates, the Government decided to exercise the power given to them by the Legislature, and to raise the tariff of charge*, to a rate nearly tqual to that which, without bearing unfairly upon any class, hai formally been in force, rather than allow the expense of carriage upon the railways to fall on ihe general taxation of th* country. Bills will be introduced to establish ihe Civil Service on a more satisfactoiy basis ; to provide for the carriage of parcels by post ; to amend the Regulation of Elections Act ; to alter the constitution of certain city electorates ; to consolidate and am. nd tbe law relating to the qualification and registration of voters, and to provide for the issue of elector!,' rights ; to amend the law relating to the property of married women ; to facilitate the alienation or Jand. A Chinaman named Chon Kwong, passenger by the Wakatipu from Port Chalmers to Sydney, attempted to commit suicide yesterday morning on board. He had had a disagreement with his lat 1 } employer, Sew Hoy, Dunedin. He asked a sailor for a stone, on which he sharpened his pocket-knife. He was found in Lis berth between 3 and 4 yesterday morning with his throat gashed. Dr. Rouse sewed up the wound, and ihe patient was taken to the Christchurch Hospital. A Waikato farmer named Mitchell has been killed by a tree falling on him. A cat show is to be he'd in Christchurch in exjunction with the next poultry show. Frederick Strong, aged five years, has been lost in the bush near Weatapu School, Auckland. Search parties have been out for 48 houis, and have found no traces yet. A Maori Self-protection Socitty has been formed under Mohi Tawhai, with t-ydney I'aiwhanga, president. The Society's object is to prevent Maoris being done out of their lands. Two shocks of earthquake were experienced at Wellirfgtdn yesterday— one at 3 o'clock in the morning:, and another at noon; An Anglo- Russian Commission id about lo be appointed to settle the demarcation of the noitnern frontier of .ifghanisiau. Tawhiau and his fellow chiefs intend to raise the question of the legality of the New Zealand Land Corporation, if they c*n wh'le in England. They propose, l^aviug oti their return to the Colony in August.

Satubday.

An. old Wcllingt m resident recently deceased, who in the early days of the apttlement experienced some kindness at the bands of Sir Wm. Fitzherbert, has bequeithe ) the sum of £25 to Bishop Redwood to be expe de<l in Masses for the repose of Sir William's soul when the Hon. Speaker of the Legislative Council should die. Measles, is prevalent amongst tht* Maoris across the GJsborne river. Mr. Wilson writes to the Herald, drawing attention to the danger, and hoping Sir George Grey and some of the residents here will endeavour to get medical assistance. The child Strong, missing at Aratapu, has been found by the search party drowned at Brown's Aratapu sawmill. A Maori petition is being signed in" the Waikato against the proposed Native Lands Bill for presentation to the A-sembly. The first signature is Rewi's. Mr. Service, Premier of Victo ia, has received a telegram from the Agent-generhl, London, stating that lhe report of the Committee of trie French Senate recently issued in no way removes the objections entertained by the Colonies to the Kecidiviste Bill, the provisions of which are not materially altered. Serious dynamite explosions ba.e occurred at Barcelona, where attempt* were ma<le to comuiir, similar outrages last month. The explosion was caused by a dynamite cartridge which had been placed in the street. One person w/>s killed, and the buildings on the spot were greatly injured. Telegrams from Souakim, where the garrison has been reinforced by a body of British marines, state that Osmtn Digma, with a following of 7000 Arab rebels, in now in the neighbourhood, and threatens to make an attack upon the town. lieports have reached Cairo to the effect that General Gordon left Khartoiun and escaped southward up the River Nile' on board a steamer.

Monday.

Rose, a carter, was driving a dray laden with wire at Mount Hutr, Canterbury,, when some of the wire fell off, knocking him down, penetrating the abdomec, and drawing out part of his intestines. Be is. in a dangerous position.

In a discussion at the Waimate County Council upon the alleged damage done by floating timber, it was stated that £300,000 a year would be deducted from the wages circulated in the timber districts if the industry were interfered with. By the distribution of this large sum settlers were greatly benefited and indirectly compensated. Flour is brought t» Chiistchurch from Ohoka, a distance of 16 miles, by waggons, though a railway-siding is at the mill door. Several pieces of stone showing gold freely bare been brought down the Wanganui river by natives. The Arrow correspondent of the Lake Wakatipu Mail says that "in the kea the sheepowner has an enemy that causes him fully as much loss as do the rabbits. Although not so numerous and prolific, they are still very difficult to extirpate or keep down. One instance will be mentioned, to give a slight idea of the enormous losses that are sustained by sheepowners anually in some localities through these pests. About a fortnight- since, when the shepherds of a certain station were musteriDg sheep in the back country, one of their number drew attention to some peculiar looking heaps in a small basin or hollow a short distance below them. One of the party brought his glass to bear upon the heaps and discovered they were dead sheep. Some of the men descended into the hollow and counted 74 wethers* and hoggets lying dead in small heaps or singly, and nearly all showing the hole in the back of the loins caused by the cruel beak of the kea. Little or no sun strikes this hollow at this season, consequently the sheep were frozen to the ground or to each other, so that it was impossible to remove them to save the skins, although they appeared quite fresh." Intelligence is to hand from Lahore, in Punjaub, that a Russian Jew, who is suspected to be a spy, has been arrested there in consequence of suspicious movements on his part, and has been conducted to Kurrachee, Scipde, where it is expected that he will be released on condition that he leaves the country. Latest news from the island of Crete reports that the disputes between the Cretan Christians and the officials of the Porte have been arranged, and the state of affairs is now quite pacific. In consequence of the settlement arrived at, Photiades Pasha, who recently resigned the Governorship of the island, has now agreed to retain his office. Preparations which were in progress at Cairo for the autumn campaign in the Soudan have now been suspended. At Friday's wool auction 9400 bales were offered. Good competition was evinced. Crossbreds are now ruling about Id. .higher than at the close of last sales. Archbishop Moran sails, for Sydney on July 4. Sir Gavan Duffy, who was recently credited with an attempt to revive the Young Ireland party, disclaime any intention on his part to re-enter political life, and denies the authorship of the pamphlet attributed to him. It is reported on. good authority that an agreement has been arrived at by Lord Granville and M. Waddington regarding the deportation of recidivistes to New .Caledonia. Fresh batches are being sent under much larger escorts than heretofore, so as to prevent their escape to Australia. It is reported that a severe battle has taken place at Berber, but with what result is not known. • The leaders of the Orange party in Ireland have abandoned the idea of holding a meeting at Newry at the same time as the National meeting. Thousands of English Orangemen had proceeded to. Ireland, threatening to move amendments at the National meeting.

Tuesday.

Wednesday.

Thursday.

The house of William Chesterfield, bootmaker at Springfield, Canterbury, was burnt down at 6 o'clock on Sunday morning, and two children aged three and five years respectively, were • burnt to death.'. The two elder childrea had been left in charge of the house while the parents went for a walk. The neighbours made every effort to rescue the children, but the fire had obtained too great a hold before they arrived. The origin of the fire is not yet known. From later information it appears that after putting the twp youngest children to bed the eldest boy, 12 years old, and another went out, leaving in charge a girl five yeaTS old. She says that while unlacing her shoes a towel caught fire from the candle and ignited the building. Insurance^ : £185 in the Standard, and £75 in the Australian Mercantile Office. The young man Terry, who was supposed to have been devoured by pigs at South Wairoa, was found on the road in an apparently dying condition. It is believed that he was thrown from his horse. The Hobson County 'Council has passed a resolution that the county, in connection with other counties north of Auckland, ask Government for 200 acres for a model farm, on which to place a small class of immigrants specially skilled in sericulture and the cultivation of sub-tropical products, for the purpose of imparting knowledge to the settlers as to the best mode of carrying on these industries ; and that the Government be petitioned for Mr. Federli's removal to Auckland in order that his knowledge and advice may be available. The Orangemen abstained from holding their meeting simultaneously with that of the National Party. [The locality is not given.] After their meeting the Nationalists stoned the Orange Lodge, which resulted in shots being exchanged, and serious rioting has taken place. The Chicago Convention has decided to nominate Mr. James G. Blame. ex- Secretary of State, as the Republican candidate for President of the United States. The Republican party strongly object to the nomination and refuse to agree with the decision of the Chicago Convention. The latest news from Zululand states that the Usutus recently made a fresh attack upon the loyal' tribes in the reserve territory. Heavy fighting took place, resulting in the defeat of the aggressors. A large body of Boers have now joined the TJsutus, and together th»y have invaded the country occupied by Usibepu and his followers. Intelligence is to hand from Massowah that Admiral Hewitt, who is now on, a special mission to Abyssinia, has. been well received by King John, and that there is every prospect of his mission being

successful. In consequence of the presence of a large body of Arab rebels under Osman Digma in tbe neighbourhood of Souakim, further reinforcements, comprising all the British marines available at Port Said, and another battalion of Egyptian regulars, are under orders to proceed there without delay. Intelligence has beea received that Berber has fallen into the hands of the rebels after a brief struggle, and they are now in full occupation. A portion of the Egyptian garrison surrendered their arms and went over to the assailants. The remainder who declined to yield were killed to a man. In consequence of the present serious aspect of affairs at Souakim, Admiral Lord John Hay, commanding the Mediterranean squadron, has proceeded thither. The intelligence of the fall of Berber is generally believed to be incredible, and it is expected that contradictory news will shortly be received. Recent reports brought in by the natives show that news of the projected expedition for the relief of Khartoum has had a good effect upon the rebels, who are said to be retreating into Kordofan, fearing the arrival of British troops.

The Address-in-reply was moved in the Legislative Assembly yesterday by Dr. Newman, and seconded by Mr. M. W. Green, Mr. Stewart moving as an amendment, which was seconded by Mr. Levestam—-" That the Government have not the confidence of the country." The debate was adjourned on the motion of Mr. Macandrew in order that a number of members who had not arrived might take part in it. — Kir G. Grey gave enotice of motion for the abolition of the postage rate on newspapers, and of a bill to regulate the admission of persons to the practice of the law. — Mr. Seddon gave notice of the introduction of the Gold Duties Abolition Bill.— The following Bills were introduced and read a first time :— Land Act 1877 Amendment Bill (Mr. Rolleston), Married Women's Property, Alienation of Land, Local Courts, Bankruptcy Act Amendment, Supremo Court Eegistrars, Taranalci Empowering Bills (Hon. Mr. Mitcfielson), Otago Harbour Board Empowering Act 1875 Amendment, Regulation of Elections Act 1880 Amendment, Representation Act 1881 Amendment, and Parliamentary Elections Bills (Hon. Mr. Dick), Pensions Bill (Mr. Shrimski), to amend the Anatomy Act 1875 (Mr. Fulton), to amend the Auckland College and Grammar School Act 1877 (Mr. Dargaville). — In the Legislative Council, Mr. Wilson gave notice to amend the Bankruptcy Act so that all bankrupts who3e debts were under £20 might be dealt with summarily. There are now 96 miners on strike at Kumara against the new regulations issued for the use of the sludge-channel men. They complain that the regulations are too oppressive, and would not enable them to earn more than a bare living, as the price of water for sluicing is 20s to 23s higher than in any other part of the Colony. Charles Klees, who used to keep a hotel at the mouth, of the Teremakau Biver, was snff ocated in his claim at Kumara. A verdict of "Accidental death " was returned at the inquest. Considerable excitement has been caused here by three reported cases of smallpox at Malvern and Prahran, Victoria. These have partially confirmed the suspicion that the disease which caused the death at the sanitarium of the man Barker was smallpox, although the medical officer considered his case a doubtful one. The Victorian Parliament waa opened yesterday by his Excellency Sir Wm. Stawell. In his Speech on the occasion, the Acting-Gover-nor, after recording the universal regret which was felt at the death of the late Prince Leopold, referred at length to the recent Intercolonial Convention, and recapitulated the various matters which came under discussion. The Speech announced tbat the minutes of the proceedings at the Convention would be laid before Parliament, and stated with reference to the recidiviste question that if, unfortunately, the protests of the Convention, the diplomatic action of the Imperial Government, and the increasing exertions of his Excellency's Advisers should prove ineffectual, his Advisers would be prepared to take steps such as the threatened danger might necessitate ; and in this view it was proposed to constitute a Council of Defence. The Speech expressed gratification at the success of the International Exhibition lately held at Calcutta, and referred to the abundant harvest. Bills were announced for the amendment of the land laws, for the further extension 1 of the railway system, for the amendment of the laws relating to banking, and for the constitution of a metropolitan board of works for the city of Melbourne. la the disturbance between the Orangemen and National party at Newrjr, the former were the aggressors. The Government has consented not to pledge' England with respect to Egypt before consulting Parliament. The Pall Mall Gazette to-day publishes a paragraph asserting that England and France have arrived at an agreement regarding Egypt.; .that England will lend tbat country eight millions ; that the British Government consent to the principle of a multiple control of Egyptian finances ; that a British force will remain in Egypt for at least three years and a-half ; and that Turkey will occupy the Red Sea ports and send a force of 15,000 men to pacify the Soudan.

A petition to the Public Works Minister is being largely signed by residents and property-holders at Little Biver, praying that the railway extension from Birdling's Flat, for which £30,000 was voted last year, may be completed at once. A chief named Kawana Paipai has died at Putikf . He was a very staunch and loyal friend to the Europeans during the Maori troubles in the early days. He is supposed to have been over 90 years of age. • Lord Edmund Fitzmaurice, Foreign Uuder-secrctary, in reply to a question in the House of Commons, has stated that diplomatic representations had been made to the United States Government regarding the freedom allowed in America to persons assisting in the dynamite plots in England. The latest reports confirm the announcement of the fall of Berber, and state that the Egyptian Governor and his garrison aud all the Europeans in the town were massacred by the rebelß. The statement published in the Pall Mall Gazette in reference to the

notS^^}l? e7^ tl^T tlo^ lsnotexaat ' throu gh the details TPn.i. 2s2 s M, noWn *, xt is believed that the concession granted by SfiS^ ll f Pr ?,T° ke^ c^ atofthe Minißtr * and a dissolution T nESr^-S? P r . obably take P lac e,in the autumn. The provincial wL.«^ f&^F 8 inß l ß^ on tbe retent u>n of complete innuen CcC c in •ShES ? 6^u U f ?^ i Commons Mr. Gladetone has denied the truth •of the statement that it had been decided that Turkish troops should be dispatched to pacify the Soudan. a t he A e ü ba » e T. on tbe ao-confidence motion has terminated in the defeat of the Ministry.— A little after midnight the division on Mr. Steward s amendment took place. Ayes, 41 ; noes, 32. Mr. Sutton then moved the following further addition, seconded by Mr. Whitaker :— " We also respectfully urge for your Excellency's conSlnM tlon f t hat xt ia , extremely mnlikely that any other Advisers would, id the present condition of parties, be able to carry any of the important measures referred to in the Speech your Excellency has been pleased to deliver to Parliament, and other important measures which are urgently required. We therefore express a hope that your Excellency will be pleased to forward for our consideration estimates for such an amount as is necessary for providing for the Government requirements, and that your Excellency will be further pleased to dissolve this House." The debate was adjourned until to-day.