SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1163, 13 June 1884, Page 3

SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

(FROM OUR OWN COBHBHPONDTCNTf. Dunedin, June 12, 7.45 pm A lengthy report from Ringer Hughan regarding the deferred payment holdings in the Waitahilna west district, in reference to the occupation of which Mr W. N. Gooday requested the Land Board to hold an inquiry, was submitted at yesterday’s meeting of the Board, the members present expressed an opinion that the settlers mentioned were bona fide, and had taken up land aa they very naturally ■would in'the place where there was a probability of their obtaining occasional employment, and which they did obtain on Mr James Smith’s Greenfield estate.

It is said that steps are Being taken in Wellington to ascertain the legality of Sir Julius Vogel employing special trains for electors to attend meetings. Mr Alexander Todd, the well-known farmer of the Taieri, and his horse collided with the railway engine near theOwhiro crossing last night. Strange to relate alarge bottle which Mr Todd had in his pocket at the time of the accident, waa not broken by the violence of the collision, there was no wound on the body of the deceased, who breathed his last at 1 o’clock this afternoon. An inquest will be held tomorrow.

Three stacks of ’wheat valued at 1.400, belonging to Smith and Sons, Greenfield, have been burned. The Kiiitaugata coal mine was opened on Tuesday, but has had to be closed again as the fire was still burning.

The New Zealand footballers have won easily their fifth match. There was great excitement in town to-day when it became known the Government had Iteen defeated. Shortly after 12 o'clock this morning a division took place without a debate on the want-of-confidence motion of Mr Steward, 41 voted for it and 32 against, the Government being defea'ed by a majority of 9. All the pafiers are full of it, but the Herald’s own to night, best defines the situation as it stands.—

—D pto the present, Ministers have not made up their minds as to the •course which they intend to pursue. 1 have it on reliable authority that they ire divided on the question of a dissolution. Major Atkinson wants to resign, and recommends the Governor to send for Sir , George .Grey. This is opposed by several, members, and they are at sixes and sevens over this matter. Major Atkinson thinks, that if Sir George Grey forms a ministry, Mr Montgomery’s followers would refuse to support him, Sir George Grey could easily manage to form a Ministry, but without Mr Montgomery's assistance it could not pbssiniy stand. Ministers are extremely reticent about their intentions, but the above information may be re ied upon, they may arrive at a decision before the evening si. ting. I am of opinion that, they will be forced to recommend a dissolution—Later, {4 p.m ) The Cabinet is now sitting to consider the position. Stiong views are held on the question by different Ministers, and considerable wrangling is going on. Major Atkinson is trying hard to have his own way and resign. A meeting of the Licensed Victu allers’ Association was held yesterday, about forty members being p v esen‘. The following resolution was unanimously carried;—“ That in the opinion of this Asseciation the e ectiv» Licensing Committees having proved a most lamentable failure throughout the Colony, it is desirable :—• . That steps be taken to reque t the Legislature to repeal the same in the direction of having a non elective branch as formerly existed. 2. That any amended Licensing Bill should have for its object its application for the whole Co'ony, arid not parts, as at present unjustly exists.”