INTERPROVINCIAL.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 4190, 27 December 1884, Page 3

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Tfrom our own correspondent.]

Wellington, Thursday

It is rumored that gold has been discovered in the province of Taranaki, probably in the Mokau or Tuhua country. I have myself seen, specimens and have authority for slating that tho exact spot of tbe discovery has been disclosed to the Native Minister, who is also Minister for Mines. Mr Ballance is framing regulations offering a reward of £500 for the discovery of a gold field in the North Island out of last session's vote. It will be a stipulation in the regulations that the consent of tho chief of the district must be lodged in writing with the Government before any prospecting will be allowed in native country. The discovery affirms tho existence of a quartz reef visible on the surface oyer a considerable area of country. The reef it is f?ftid, is intermixed with blue and rotten slates—favorable indications I am informed—of a permanent gold field. Tho prizes for the best essays on the industries of tho colonies to ljo invited in connection with the industrial exhibition will be in the shape of gold and silver medals

and money. Tho Government desire that the subject should bo dealt with in the most practical manner as opposed to abstract disquisitions. I understand that correspondence between the Imperial and colonial authorities has been going on for some time past m reference to the man Sheehan charged with murder at Castle Roche, in Ireland, and that he has been under tho surveillance ot the police for many weeks previous to his arrest. As showing the earnestness of the Government in giving effect to the legislation of Parliament, and at the same time their desire that the fullest possible ventilation should be given to everything bearing on the capabilities of the colony as a field for special industries, I may mention that loose copies of the Beetroot Sugar Act of last session have been forwarded to the AgentGeneral with a request that he should endeavor, through the foreign office, to make tho provisions of the Act known in European countries where the subject has already_ attracted some attention, or where there is a population likely to feel particularly interested in the 'subject, particularly as it has been desired that the provisions of the Act may be translated and published through Russia, Germany, Austria, and Belgium, in the hope that it may be the means of attracting a desirable class of immigrants bitberward. It is understood that the Native Minister is making many enemies in certain circles by absolutely refusing to withdraw the restrictions on'native land in order to benefit land-sharks and traffickers in native land. This was notoriously done by the preceding Native Minister, as was proved by the return called for by Parliament upon the motion of Sir George Grey in the session of 18S3. Notwithstanding this odium and the political pressure that is being brought to bear, Mr Ballanco remains inflexible and declares that so long as he holds the portfolio for native affairs he will not allow these restrictions to bo removed except after due publicity has been given, and for tho benefit of the people of the colony.

[Per United Press Association.]

Christchurch, Thursday. Augustus Pascoe, while riding from rigeon Bay to spend Christmas with his family, was thrown from his horse and had his thigh broken. He lay for some hours on the road before assistance came. He is now doing fairly well. ° This day. The directors of the Southern Cross Petroleum Company report that they have received a telegram stating that the depth of No. 3 bore on Tuesday last was 502 feet. Oil was showing slightly in the rock, which was hard and broken. Much trouble was caused by tho gas, which was coming freely from the bore. The manager reports that he is confident of striking oil if he can get through the present rock, which is extremely hard,°hrokon, and difficult to work in. When the pipe driven only a couple of feet it is frequently found choked up for some 20 or 30 feet, all which has to be re-bored and the pipe cleaned. Two or three of the directors leave for the works on Thursday next. The CHclat match Otago v. Canterbury was resumed at noon to-day. The weather was fine. When they adjourned for lunch at 2 o'clock, the score" was 85. Strange 13, Fowkc, 14, Ashby 12, Longdon 1, E. Milton not out 5, 'Wilding 19, Buchanan 2, Cotterill not out 25, extras 4. Blenheim, Thursday.

A ; the last special meeting of the Picton Coal Company was declared illegal on account of an insufficient numler of shareholders having been present, no further meeting will "be held until the annual gencri'.l meeting on February 2nd, when the directors will submit a report and balancesheet and counter - proposals to that of liquidation will bo brought forward. Wellington, Friday. The weather is dull and showery, interfering seriously with all outdoor amusements. Oamard, Thursday. Cleared yesterday, Ada Mclmore, Captain Casey, for London with a cargo of wool, tallow and skins, valued at £40,000. Dunedin, Friday. Fitzgerald was captured at Brighton yesterday ho had been fishing in that neighborhood and was brought into town this morning, and remanded till Thursday. Nccklacehas been scratched for all engagements for the Dunedin autumnmeotiug. Auckland, This day. Tho first and second prizes in Adam Bede's sweep on the Auckland cup go to Auckland, the third to Te Aroha. . The To Aroha gold yield for the past five weeks is 1349 ounces from 982 trucks.