BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH

Evening Star, Issue 3636, 17 October 1874, Page 2

BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH

, Wellington, October 10. llio poll which was taken to-day on the question for or against a free library, resulted in a malonty of 211 against, only 21 voting for it.

mi rr • October 17. T. heKaiwarra toll-keeper has appealed against the decision of the Resident Aiagistrate, that mail-coaches are exempt from toll

Napieb, October 16. There was a very large attendance at the cattle show yesterday, but the humbir 6t the exhibits was not so large as had been anticipated. Several hundred persons were conveyed by the railway, which is now in regular working order between Napier and Hastings, The railway to Hastings was opened on October 12. There was no public ceremony, bat a private picnic of about 100 persons, which passed off satisfactorily. An attempt was made to set fire to the Crown Hotel at the Spit on the 11th. The constable on duty found a bundle of shavings and oiled rags burning underneath the billiard-room, The fire was extinguished without any damage being done. Fifty pounds is offers as a reward by the police.

Hokitika, October 17. Meat of all kinds is at famine prices. At last auctions, bullocks realised L 33 per carcass or 55s to 70s per ItO lbs. Several of the butchers here are closing their places temporarily, being unable to obtain supplies for their customers.

. Westboet, October 17. A preliminary inquiry by The Collector of Customs re the Alma disasters, was coplihenced yesterday, The captain of the Kennedy claims salvage. The Alina will be towed to Greymouth to discharge, and for repairs.

Cbomwell, October 17. i>r Lorse, Coroner and J.P., was charged with perjury at the sitting of the Heskient Magistrate’s Court 'yesterday. At the conclusion of the evidence for the prosecution, the accused’s solicitor, Mr Johnson, raised a fatal objection to the case being proceeded with. The Bench, in admitting the validity of the objection, said they would hava diamteayl 'the charge on its merits. The erfre vreSffiroMMV local interest* r

.... ' ■ Auckland, October 17. At the meeting of the owth British InCompany, the | report wah adopted, ino Hon. Mr Chamberlain and, Mr Howard were re-elected directors. ' ,

at., r « nr 9^ rah amstown, October 17. Mr James Mackay, jnr., has been trying to arrange with the Natives for a piece of knd on « h °i ld i h * CoKm ial prize-firing. One old Native land-owner is obstructive, feeling sore at having had to pay rates. The spot desired 18 approachable both by water and land, and offers admirable facilities for a 'rifle-range and camping ground. B