NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1454, 31 May 1912, Page 6

NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

(By T«lezFaph- Prcs3 ABiocl&tloa.l KUMARA RAILWAY; PUBLIC MEETING, Hokitikn, May 30. A largely attended public meeting wag hold last night at Kumara, the Mayor (Mr. Murdoch) presiding, tinder the auspices of the Wcslland Railway League, when tlie following resolution was carried.—"That the Government be urged to construct the Kumara branch of th« railway tho four miles ten, chains referred to in return l)-l of the Public Works Statement, IiUO, and that in view of tlw easy nature of tho construction it bo pointed out that the section would l»q a favourable example for tlie construction of either a light lino railway or nnelcctria line, the necsssary power for which could be generated at the Government iratel raco supply near the vicinity of the proposed hue!" Tlie speakers included Sir. Scddon, M.P., tho county chairman, and other influential public men. Tito proceedings were very unanimous. THE DUNEPIN FIRE: INSURANCES. Dunedin, May 30. In connection with last night's fire, tho wholo of tho risks were held by thejßoyal Insurance Company, with whom Xinimo and Hlair held a pohc.v for JjCriG(l on the building and .£ 12,000 on tho stock. The plant and fittings and cheese intended for the winter show, awl which was stored in the basement practically escaped undamaged. UNITED LABOUR PARTY. Auckland, May 20. Tho Auckland Trades Council decided at a special meeting to take steps to disband, with a view to carrying into effect tho formation in Auckland of a branch of (lie United Labour Partr. DEATH THROUGH MISADVENTURE. Auckland, May 30. The first inquest, held in the new Coroner's Court in the hospital grounds, took place this morning, when Mr. Gresham resumed tho inquiry into the death of a retired sea captain named Ilenrv Alexander, who was knocked down by a tramcar in Beach Hond on Tuesday week. The jury found that.death was (he result of pure accident, no blame being attachable to anyone, ami added a rider expressing tho opinion that t.hc Attention of tho City Council should bo called to tho insufficient ,-tiroe( lighting of the place where the accident occurred. THE FREEHOLD AFFIRMED. Te Kuiti, May 30. Messrs. Peniberton and M.'Lenn, a ilepntntion from I'aetihi, waited on the local Chamber of Commerce respecting tho Native land question as affecting the settlers in tho OhotVi Block. A petition for tho freehold had been referred last session to the favourable consideration of (he Government, but nothing further had l>cen done. As the block was trust land, it pointed out, special legislation was necessary. A resolution was carried affirming the freehold principle, and co-operation with Haetihi settlers was promised in their efforts to securo the freehold equitably. NAUTICAL INQUIRY, Grcyniouth, May RO. Tlw nautical inquiry into the strandins of (lie ICotitku lins coneliutod hearing evidence, and tho Court adjourned till (en o'clock on Saturday morning, vlien tli# finding will be given.