NEW ZEALAND.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11503, 9 February 1903, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND.

(PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAMS.) - PEII4DINO, Febimry 7. At a meeting of delegates from the various local bodies interested in the proposed railway from Feilding to Kimboiton and Apiti.'hekl in the Municipal Chambers, the proposal was warmly supported, and a strong committee appointed. A xaiiway league is being formed to further the pro--360 ' BLENHEIM, February 7. The death of Mr William Edward Cloueton, a well-known and highly-popular merchant, alter a protracted illnew, is announced. ' WELLINGTON, February 7. Mr Seddon has received from the Secretary of State a similar cable to that received by Sir i≤. Barton with reference to the South' African meat contract. It states that it was impossible to call for tenders earlier owing to the military arrangements not being entirely settled. Regret je expressed that the military authorities in Uouth Africa find it is impossible to extend the period for tendering, but the shortness of time affects all equally. A condition of the contract is that the supplies ire to be obtained from British Imperial sources if possible. .The Agent-General is to again urge the War Office to 'give an extension of time.

The Premier has accepted an invitation from the North Island Main Trunk Railway League, Auckland, to accompany the party to visit the Ohaewai, Kaikohe, and .Mauk&hai lands, through which the northern portion of the line passes. Two of the crew of the Machrihonish, John Allen and Harry Wayne, were brought before the Magistrate to-day, charged with disobedience, and assaulting Mr Toole, the chief officer. In the couree of lihe evidence, the latter stated that both men had been malingering, and;, in the habit of going ashore at night. The night before t ho fire on the vessel both went ashore, and returned late, Wayne about one in the morning. Wayne a*ked the watchman for matches, but was refused, and offered instead a light from the lantern. Later

Wayne got matchfe from an appwatieJ some of which wero found in his qwjtM next morning. Two hnui« aftenrttdHU tiro AVRB disoovercd on board. BeUt Ha vren fined 40s for disobedienoe, ix 49k tad aesault, in the alternative fouiteca A prdimiiKuy enquiry by the GoUtttortif Cosboms into the circumstances of tU'ftl on the vessel will be held next weetii -? The enquiry into the grounding aij tt» Eteamer Aotea, off die concluded to-day. The Court \i& tM the navigation of the vecsel had ed over to the chief officer, and it vts art desirable that Captain Bunny's eatificiti should bo euspended for three moatfcik 'Tin chief officer, K. DL«ney, wa* ceneered|»t not ascertaining the position nutya aeojratoCy, and' the second officer's wUficHk wae returned. •"' .' t