NEW ZEALAND

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 2, Issue 269, 15 February 1881, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND

(Per Press Association.) Patetere Block Again. Auckland, To-day. James Mackay and Brissenden have arrived in Auckland to press separate claims on the Pacetere, resting on an alleged promise on the part of Government that if Government did not complete the purchase the first offer would bo made to them. Mackay says he offered Dr. Pollen a refund of Government advances and 50,000 acres for special settlement if Government would retire from Patetere in his favor. The Auckland Dock. M‘Kenzie, chairman of Harbor Board, who was rejected by the city electors yesterday on the big dock question, was nominated to represent Parnell Borough Council on giving an assurance that he would supppit the cons truction of the dock if it was practicable without further wharfage taxation. Truant School ChildrenThe default officers under the compulsory education clause report only nine children in the city of school ages not attending school. Property Tax and Building Societies. The property tax reviewers dec’ded that the Building Society must pay a tax on the cash value of shares, less LSOO exemption. A Scandal. Grahamstown, To-day. This morning, at the R.M. Court, before Mr. Ken wick, RiM., Henry Elms Campbell, solicitor, and a married man, was ordered to pay 10s. per week for the maintenance of his illegitimate child by Ellen Thomas, a servant recently in his employ. Adjourned* Wellington, To-day.- . The charges against the female atten-

dants at the Asylum, for ill-crcating a patient, have been adjourned until after the enquiry has been made into the conduct of the whole staff by the Commission recently appointed by the Government. Gold Prospecting. An attempt is to be made to fl at a company for the purpose of thoroughly prospecting the districts where the rich quartz was found. The Steamer Charles Edward. Westport, To-day. The inquiry into the mishap to the Charles Edward was held to-day. Captain Whitwell gave evidence as to the vessel striking, and that the watertight oompartments alone saved the vessel rom total loss. A crack 6ft. long and 2 in width waa found in the plates unci' the fore hold and engine room. The compartments have been repaired, am the steamer sails for Nelson to-mght. Drowned While Bathing. Dunedin Tom j r . Roderick M‘Kenz'o, the son of a achtrimmer, employed by Bobi: an. Co., went with some others to bn he h the Water of Leith, near the Union rect bridge. The boy had not 1 -an tlu water long before he got out o Ixis pth. and sank. A big boy being ear the time, went to his assistance am iter some difficulty, got him out, out 1 was then apparently lifeless. Dr. 31air. whe happened to bo passing, at one 3 atl- .de' the boy, and used the ordinary meai . foe his resuscitation, but he reaia red u .conscious, and died this morning