BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

Evening Star, Issue 3211, 5 June 1873, Page 2

BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

{From the Neva Zealand Frees Association,)

Wellington, June 4

The Hon. Saul Samuel has had a prolonged interview with Mr Vogel, but nothing has transpired. The Government have not received any further Native news.

A butcher named Gorad, lately from Dunedin, dropped down dead at his work to day. The Mayor has called a public meeting to consider the reception to be given to Governor Fergusson.

Chrutohurch, Jane 4

In the Provincial Council, last - night, it was resolved to recommend the General Government to construct a branch line of railway from Kaiapoi through Ohaka to Eyreton. A Select Committee was appointed to investigate the purchase by the Provincial Solicitor of certain lapsed reserves. He is charged with making the purchase after he had been fully informed that the reserves were abandoned.

In Committee on the Education Ordinance! it was carried by nineteen to fourteen that the Bible be not read in the Government schools, but that ministers should have the power to attend one whole day or two half days each week, to give religious instruction to children whose parents belong to their denomination and signify their assent to such instruction. A motion to continue Government aid to denominational schools for a short period longer was negatived. The demand for most kinds of labor is greatly in excess of the supply. All the men per Michael Angelo, save three, found good employment the first day they were open to engagement. Sir Wiltshire, who is walking 1,000 miles in 1,000 hours, completes his 500 miles to-day. He is in good health and spirits, and very sanguine. He does not seem much the worse for what he has already done.

Westport, June 4.

The heaviest flood ever known here occurred to day. All the wharves, save one, were swept away, together with a large number of stores, hotels, and houses. The river is now falling. A large number of people have been rendered homeless and are in great distress. Acres of land have disappeared. The loss is estimated at L 16,000.

Napier, June 4.

The Gaol returns show a net profit of L 361 on the working of the department for the year. It is proposed to establish an Industrial School seven miles from town.

The inspector of Sheep reports the importation of 263 pure merino rams, and 250 long-wolled rams, during the year, also a great improvement in the sheep generally owing to vigorous culling. Mr Rickshas given an acre and a half of land at Kararua as a site for a railway station, and intends laying out a town there.

Auckland, June 4.

Severe floods have occurred in the North Wairoa district, causing a large amount of damage. A boat with five men was swamped, and all were drowned.

Gbahamstown, June 4.

An important discovery was made this morning. It was found that the Pumping Association had drained the water from the Caledonian mine, and the water in Tookey’s claim is also going down fast. It will enable the Caledonian to go on sinking a shaft which had been stopped for many months. It is expected the Pumping Association will cut the reef in a few l feet or more. The drainage of the shaft and works have cost L 50,000, and it was at one time feared the Association would not be able to drain the mines adjacent. All the Caledonian shares have been withdrawn from the market.

Melbourne, May 29. The cable was repaired on Monday last, and direct communication with England resumed. . The new Electoral Bill introduced into the Assembly provides for the increase of the members of the Assembly to ninety, with all single electorates, and, the Council to thirty-six, with ft reduction in tfye tenure,

The Governor and Lady Bowen are visiting Ballarat ~ The Government are arranging a mail service, with Melbourne as the terminus. The Sydney Government are expediting the Californian contract. > ■ Governor Fergusson is expected here next Tuesday, and will likely leave by the Albion on the sth. Mr Higinbotham was elected to the Assembly by a majority of 238 votes over his opponent* The Great Britain has arrived, fifty-seven days oat. The review of the Victorian Fire Brigades and the torchlight procession through the streets were very effective. Four hundred and fifty firemen were present. The Governor attended. Mr M'Hugh, of the Admiralty Survey, was killed, by falling 160 feet down a shaft at Sandhurst. . The Australian Provident Association at Sydney has taken np LIOO.OOO worth of the New Zealand loan at LOO Ks. Commercial. Breadstuff's improving ; wheat np to 6s 6d; oats very scarce at 5s 3d. Very prime sugars show a slight decline. Business is generally satisfactory. Shipping.—'The s.s. Albion arrived last night. Brisbane. Parliament opened on the 28th. The Vice-Regal speech asks for power to conform to the Conference proceedings, and with the arrangements entered into with New Zealand for laying a submarine cable. The steamer Egmont is being fitted up to take soundings between Sydney and New Zealand for the cable. The revenue of the Colony is increasing.