INTERPROVINCIAL.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 4182, 16 December 1884, Page 3

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Tfrom our own correspondent. 1

AVellington, This day.

The Colonial Secretary left yesterday afternoon on his tour through the Middle Island. He proceeds first to Invorcargill.

Sir Julius and Ladj r A r ogel expect to leave 'or AVaiwera and Auckland on Thursday.

The Hon. the Commissioner of Telegraphs has declined the request made by the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, supported by the AA r ellington Chamber, for a reduction in the rates of subscription to the telephone exchanges. He promises, however, to consider tho subject when framing next year's estimates. To-day a joint committee of the Chamber of Manufactures and the Trades and Labor Councils will wait upon tho Hon. Mr Richardson, Minister of Public Works, re the manufacture of locomotives. It is expected that tenders for the construction of locomotives within New Zealand will be called for in two months. The delay lias been occasioned by the time required for preparing the necessary drawings.

[Per United Press Association.]

CiißiSTcnrßCir, This day. A body was found floating in the harbor yesterday and recognised as that of James Paton, a lumper, who was missed from his home in Lyttelton ten days ago. The New Zealand Shipping Companyhave received the following cable message from London, dated December 13th: — " The Doric; arrived at Plymouth to-day. Her refrigerator has worked well, and the meat is in good condition. The Tongariro arrived at the Cape of Good Hope to-day." It is splendid weather for the Anniversary Day and the city is m fete. The volunteers have a field day at New Brighton, popular sports in Hagloy Park, Caledonian games in Lancaster Park, parish festival at Barnford's Grounds, Hcathcotc races at Plumpton Park, and trips to Akaroa and Little Akaroa. At a quarter to nine this morning at Rangiora the Presbyterian choir were going in an express wagon for a pic-nic to AVoodend Sea beach, when tbn train from Christchurch came up on the crossing. The driver did not notice it till too late, and the train ran into the express, cutting the horses away and seriously injuring several in it. David Kcir, son of a well-known builder, about 20 years old, died in a few minutes ; Miss Maggie Marrall lost an arm and a leg, and has since died; Donald McKay, tinsmith, and two other sons of Kcir are reported also dead, but in consequence of the holiday reliable details aro not easily procured. The rumor runs that five deaths have occurred, but probably this is an exaggeration. Blenheim, This day At a meeting of shareholders in thcPicton Coal Company yesterday, sixteen were present. It was resolved by seven votes to three to liquidate the company. Messrs Geofrcy and Fisk were appointedliquidators, and a meeting is to be called that day month to confirm the resolutions, and give the outside shareholders an opportunity of attending. Tho directors laid no report before the meeting, and it was stated that no money was on hand. Telegrams protesting against the liquidation were received from the AVellington and Wanganui shareholders. Owing to tho small number present at the meeting it was doubtful if legal, and the chairman agreed to consult a solicitor on the subject. A. Liberal League for AVairan, has been established upon tho platform in harmony with tho Trade and Labor Councils and other Liberal Associations in the colony. Auclkand, This day. At the inquest on the fire which broke out in a cupboard in Pearson's store, Whangarei, tho jury returned a verdict to the effect that the place was feloniously set fire to by some persons unknown, with a rider that the coroner should communicate with the police and tho insurance companies for further investigation. Pearson was insured for £1300, at which sum he valued his stock. The German warship leaves for Samoa as soon as sho receives her mail. The Arawata left yesterday for Fiji with one of the largest cargoes yet despatched. Tigrediawas yesterday scratched for the Cup. Balclutha, This day. Hopkins and Jewitt's flour and oatmeal mills at Balclutha were totally destroyed by fire at 3 o'clock this morning. It is believed tho fire originated in the enginehouse. The estimated value of the stock is £3000, and the building £3000. Tho insurances on the whole of the £3000 is as follows:—United office £300 ; Fire Association £500; Equitable office, £1420 ; London Lancashire office, £500 ; National office, £250. The estimated loss above insurance is £3000. AVellington. This day. A deputation from the Trades and Labor Council and Chamber of Manufacturers waited on Mr Richardson to -day in reference to the constru tion of locomotives in the colony. It transpired that Mr Hendry, chairman of the Trades and Labor Council, had surreptitiously obtained a printed copy of the specifications which have not yot been made public. Mr Richardson asked how they had obtained the copy, but Hendry declines to say. As it is, however, the copy so obtained had since been considerably modified. The deputation also heard that locomotives were to be subjected to test of running 1000 miles, and if they did not answer they would be condemned. Mr Richardson stated this was incorrect. It was also stated that certain parts of tho machinery could not be made in the colony. The Minister said the Government were willing to do everything in their power to encourage the manufacture of engines, and monthly payments of 90 per cent, will be made, and that the great thing was to have the whole machinery constructed in the colony, even if they had to pay a higher price for the engine, but the Government recognised that certain parts, such as tubing, &c, would require to be imported. Ten engines aro to be made in two years, the first to bo handed over iv eighteen months. The Government would supply a locomotive as a model, so that no mistake might be made as to measurement. Mr Scott, the representative of the East and West Coasts Railway Company, Mr Napier Bell, the engineer who surveyed the line, and Messrs Sclanders and Fell, of Nelson, had a long consultation with the Government yesterday with respect to the terms of the contract regarding that line. It is understood that arrangements of a satisfactory nature have been arrived at, and that conditions are to be forwarded to Christchurch for tho approval of the company. It is expected that the matter will be finally' settled iv a few days.