BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

Evening Star, Issue 3378, 17 December 1873, Page 2

BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

Wei.umjton, December 17. The Licensing Bench to-day sat in the Resident Magistrate’s t’ourt. Counsel for the applicants contended that the Act did not apply, as districts had not been proclaimed. A letter was read from the Department of Justice, stating that the necessary steps had been taken to bring the Act into operation. The Bench made several transfers of licenses. Mr C. B. Borlase was elected Mayer without opposition. Many of the Natives in town, who profess to know, say that a fight will take place to-day at Horowhenaa, notwithstanding the arrangements made by the Government.. An Otaki messenger arrived from Horowhenua last night, and reported that the Commissioners’ arrangements were unsuccessful Puki still insists upon fighting the matter out, AtJCKI.AXir, December 16. The Provincial Council was opened at 2 o’clock to-day. The Superintendent’s speech stated that such a short time had elapsed since his election, that he was unable to look into the business to ascertain the requirements of the Province. After a brief sitting it was proposed that there should be an adjournment till Alarch. A measure would be brought up to alter the financial year, so that the Council could sit a month before tbe sittings of the General Assembly instead of after. He said it wits his intention to work with the Colonial Government in the colonising scheme. Hehad represented to the Government the delay in the completion of railways. He was also glad to announce that the Onehunga, line line would be opened for ordinary traffic on Monday next. It was proposed to open up land at Ohinemutu for mining purposes. The opening of Ohinemuri has been deferred, but no doubt the miners would wait patiently. No effort would be wanting on the part of the Provincial Government to secure the desired object. Chief stress was laid on immigration, and the necessity of settling the lands of the Province. A Bill with these objects in view will be introduced after the adjournment. Air O’Rorke has been elected Speaker of the Provincial Council. Mr Bnckland opposed the election, on the ground that it was impossible idr Mr O’Rorke to perform the duties of Alinister and Speaker without the offices clashing. Mr Reader Wood also opposed the appointment. After some discussion, the motion for the election of Mr Carleton was withdrawn.

Cromwell, December 16. The Cromwell Quartz Mining Company cleaned up a parcel of about 86 tons of stuff yesterday, with a result of 4460z. The stone is said to be still improving in quality. Christchurch, December 16. At eleven o’clock the Governor laid the foundation stone of the Normal School. Mr C. C. Bowen, 11. M. (chairman of the Board of Education), the Governor, and the Superintendent, made long speeches. The Governor warmly eulogised the conduct of the Provincial Government in making such a large provision for education. His Excellency and suite, with a large party, afterwards attended luncheon at the Superintendent's residence, and 10,006 people were present at the sports, which were very successful- the performances were all good. The Governor, Lady Fwgusson, and suite were present; alsb the Superintendent, the Bishop, and many leading settlers. Queenstown, December 16. Messrs Turnbull and Basting’s interviews here have been thoroughly satisfactory! The Wakatip run question and commonage reserves have been readjusted, all existing .rights being reserved. Several deputations waited upon, them. The feeling against the sale has toned down. Hokitika, December 17* The s.s. Tararua, Captain ('lark, arrived at i p.m. yesterday. She left Melbourne on the 11th instant, making a passage of four days twenty-three hours. She was tendered at ten o’clock this morning. The Tararqa brings 23 saloon and 16 steerage passengers, and 210 tons cargo for all ports. The captain reports passing the Claud Hamilton on the morning of the 12th, off the Hogan Islands. Passenger for for Dunedin, Mrs Mcarcs,