TELEGRAMS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 2, Issue 409, 30 July 1881, Page 2

TELEGRAMS.

[per press association.] Coromandel Steamship Company. Auckland, Yesterday. The Coromandel Steamship Company has declared a dividend of 20 per cent. Abolition of County Councils. The petition in favor of the abolition of County Councils has now received the signatures of the representatives of fifty-one Boards. A Liberal Offer. The Hon. James Williamson has offered the Surry Hills estate to the City Council for LIOO,OOO in debentures, with a proviso that the entire estate is to be reserved as a public park. Auckland Gas Company. The Auckland Gas Company has declared a dividend of 7s 6d per share. Several shareholders spoke in favor of i the further reduction of the price of gas from 8s 4d per thousand. Adulteration of Food Act. Superintendent Thompson reports to the City Council that from defects in the 1 AHuitoimiou or. J'ooa Aa n, n, w K °ly operative, also his belief that convictions for dirty and ill-drained dairies could not be obtained under the provisions of the Health Act, A Maori Row. Auckland, To-day. A Hokianga telegram says that it is reported that the natives are fighting over a piece of land half way between Kaikahi and Taheki, and shots have been exchanged, though it is not yet known with what result. Mr Yon Sturmer, R.M., and Constable Coughlan left for the scene of the quarrel. These natives are the same who took part in the fight at Akato in December, 1879, when four lives were lost. They aie the most lawless natives in the district, and they need a severe lesson, but of course the authorities here are powerless to act without a sufficient force. The row at present is confined to a few, and theso declare their intention of fighting it out to the bitter end. Dividends. The Union Sash and Door Company have declared a dividend of 12£ per cent., and the Tanpiri Coal Company a dividend of 10 per cent. Enquiry into the Wreck of the Samson. New Plymouth, Yesterday. A preliminary enquiry into the wreck of the Samson was held at Waitara to-day. Evidence was taken to the effect that the Samson arrived at Waitara on Saturday evening, and without waiting far signals the captain took the steamer over the bar. A short time after it got over the bar the Samson grounded, and a heavy current down the river drove her upon the wreck of the Paterson, and a hole was driven in her bottom, rendering hera total wreck. The Wheel of Life. Wellington, To day. During the month 98 births and 38 deaths were registered, and 20 marriage certificates issued. Sudden Death. Grbymouth, Yesterday. . Mr James Archer, farmer, of Coal Creek Flat, dropped dead in the street last night. At the inquest a verdict of “ Death from heart disease” was returned. Spurious Tea. Dunedin, Yesterday. A number of samples of tea have been purchased in Dunedin by the police, with a view of tracing the spurious teas reported to have come from Melbourne. Nothing lias yet come to light, however. Friendly Societies. A deputation of the Oddfellows and Foresters waited on Mr Stewart, M. H. R., this forenoon, and brought under his consideration several important alterations proposed in the law affecting Friendly Societies. Court Martial. Sergeant Krovo, of the City Guards, will be tried by court-martial on Wednesday, for causing a local to be inserted in the Daily Times damaging to the company. The Winners. Dunedin, To-day. The first prize in Cameron’s sweep on the English Derby went to St Bathans, the second to Waimea, and the third to Wellington.