SOUTHERN NEWS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 35, 10 February 1905, Page 2

SOUTHERN NEWS.

(By Telegrapb-—Press Association.) WELLINGTON TRAMWAYS. WELLINGTON, Thursday. Seven months ago the first section of the electric tramways was opened. The . system was completed piece by piece, i the last section being finished a lortnight | j ago. - Since the opening of the llrst sec- ! tion to January 31 the receipts amount- j ed to £27,237, and the expenditure for the same period, including interest on loan, sinking fund, and rent fund pay- i ments, amounted to £28,383. The net deficiency on the seven months' working is £1146. The Mayor, in alluding to these figures at the meeting of the Council to-night, said it had to be borne in mind that the first six months' working was very expensive, as only a small income was derived, awiujj to the section being incomplete. He hoped that at the end of 12 months the loss would be wiped off, and something allowed for depreciation. The Council considered that the results were satisfactory. TRADES AND LABOUR COUNCIL. REEFTON, Thursday. The annual meeting of the Trades and Labour Council commenced yesterday morning in the Council Chambers, Reefton. A lengthy order paper waa submitted, embodying suggestions from various unions regarding reforms for the safety and health of the miners, union demands, several Acts affecting miners, etc. The Counci! adjourned yesterday afternoon to visit the Progress battery : and resumed thia morning. The day was occupied In dealing with correspondence. The sitting is likely to continue five or six days. SOUTHERN COURTS. TIMARU, this day. In the second trial of Wood, charged with indecent assault, resulted in acquittal. Henry Gardner, charged with shepherding and robbing a drunken man, was acquitted. DUNEDIN HARBOUR BOARD. DUNEDIST, this day. The Hon. P. Gourley was to-day reelected chairman of the Harbour Board. A committee was appointed to confer with a commit tec from the Chamber of Commerce with respect to the trade of the port, and especially as to butter and cheese having to be sent to Lyttelton or Wellington. TEMPERANCE CONVENTION. HOKITIKA, Thursday. The West Coast Temperance Convention was opened here this evening, a large number of delegates being present. The Rev. Mr Elliott presided. Addresses were given by the Revs. Dawson (chairman of the New Zealand Alliance Executive), Pratt (Westport), Trestrail (Greymouth), and Mr Bedford. M.H.R. Mr Bedford's speech was enthusiastically received. The chairman, on behalf of the West Coast Temperance workers, made a presentation of a selection of valuable theological works to the Rev. Mr Trestrail, prior to his departure from the Toast. In making the presentation, was made in most eulogistic terms to his fearless advocacy of prohibition principles. The business of the convention commences to-morrow morning, and in the evening another public meeting will be held.