INTERPROVICNIAL.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XIV, Issue 2902, 18 February 1893, Page 2

INTERPROVICNIAL.

Auckland, February 17. A member of the United Empire Trade League, Mr W. J. Harris, formerly M.P. for Poole, Dorsetshire, is in Auckland, and is touring Australasia in order to ascertain public opinion with regard to a system of reciprocal tariffs between Great Britain and the colon;es. He suggests that colonial products should be admitted free at British ports, but as he recognises that new countries require to foster industries, his proposal is that there should be between Britain and the colonies such an arrangement of tariff as would be ! beneficial to both. There is reported to be quite a rush to : Blind Bay, Great Barrier, in consequence* Jof recent discoveries of silver. The tests of quartz found by Sanderson Bros, the first prospectors, have proved satisfactory, and a good officer is surveying the claims. A quarry of stone, suitable for buildin sr purposes, has been found upon land at Mattamat*, belonging to the New Zealand Loau and Mercantile Agency Company. Weiuitgton, February 17. Some time ago a woman, in a fit of madness, drowned her infant in a bath, and to-day her husband was also committed to to the asylum as a lunatic. Properties placed in the Public Trust Office are now relieved of postal and telegraph charges, and it is understood other concessions >♦ ill be ma<*e if found to be to the interest of office to do so. The Countess of Kintore and her two daughters arrived from Nelson thw morning . The party leave to-morrow morning by frain for Auckland, via Napier and the thermal spriiwa district. The Trades Council have adopted, subject to modification by the Trades Council Conference, the report of the special Committee advising that a perma--1 nent electoral Committee should be set up to settle any differences, if required, between members of any section of the Labour party, and to ascertain the names of acceptable candidates, and obtain information about all candidates for Parliament ; to raise funds for election expenses of Labour candidates, and to watch electoral rclls. The platform also drawn up inoludes amongst other things, the establishment of a State bank, abolition of property qualifications in all elections, closing of public houses on election days, elective governors, repeal of CDnspiracy laws relating to industrial pursuits, exemption of all improvements under the land tax, and increase of the graduated tax. Edwards' mercer's shop on Lambton Quay was gutted by fire at 7 p.m. last nigh*. It was jnsured for £2qO in tfce Imperial, but the loss is £300 m6re, Out of 117 applications for the post of assistant librarian, at £120 a year, the City Council aeleoted Mr G. N. Bagjjet, late Receiver of Land fleyenue hew, <

The council of the Northern Bowling Association have determined to hold a „ tournament in Wellington at Easier Mid will endeavour to arrange a match North v. South Island. Play bejias on March 31. A certificate and bowl* only will be given as prizes, no trophies or medals. Recent floods in the Oteki were the worst experienced for the last twenty-five years. They are attributed to strong westerly wind* causing high tides, thus blocking the escape of flood water. Considerable damage was done to property, { hut no lives were lost. Several settlers lost a number of sheep, piep, etc. ▲ house from which the residents were rescued was buile on the bed of an old rivercouroe, and had three feut of water in it. Nelson, February 17. A man turned William Norman, a miner, w - lorribly injured at Johnston United mine, Collingwood, last night by an explosion of dynamite, which he thought had missed fire. His right arm was blown off and other injuries were sustained. He is being brought to Nelson by special steamer. Dcmcbin, February 17. The Standard Insurance Company will declare a bonus of 2£ per cent in addition to the usual dividend of 7$ per cent. The profits on the year's operations amounted to £22,717 17s 4d. It.is decided to take proceedings againtt all persons who have not complied with the .registration provisions of the Factories Act, by the 95th inst. Invercargill, February 17. After a trial extending over two days, tfiehael Markey was found not guilty of sheep steaUng, the jury being of opinion that the accused altered the brands and cut the ears without felonious intent. Markey will be tried on Monday on a second charge of a same nature. The weather is clearing. The wini has been violenc for the past few days, and crops and fruit have been badly knocked about.