BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

Evening Star, Issue 3687, 16 December 1874, Page 2

BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

{From our own Correspondents.) Auckland, December 15, ihe proposal mooted by the Pacific Mail Company, to place the steamers Vasco de Gama and Vancouver in the Australia and New Zealand trade, was originally suggested with the event of undertaking the mail service, but afterwards to utilise the steamer which would be rendered unnecessary {in the present trade when the steamers arrived from New York, Both the steamers named are English screw boats, similar to the Tartar, and would materially interfere with the passenger and cargo trade of the mail steamers. The Harbor Board are pushing forward improvements, and have accepted a tei der for L 9,417 for the extension of the breakwater. The Acclimatisation Society have urged' the Government to make a close season of four mouths under the Oyster Act. Dr Pollen leplied that the Governor would issue a proclamation. Trout are increasing in various Provincial streams. The mayoral election to-morrow is a certainty for Councillor Prince. J if .» a « * « Napiei ?’ December 15. It is stated that the grass in Poverty Bay is affected with ergot. The report will probably tend to raise the price of seed in Napier, Tt is understood that the civil action commenced by Lydia Phillips, an immigrant, against Captain Knight and Dr Dale, of the ship Bebiugton, for alleged cruelty during the voyage to New Zealand, in which damages were laid at LSOO, has been compromised by the payment of a sum of money by Captain Knight to Philips. At Tauranga, to-day, Byell, charged with the embezzlement of funds of the Bank of New Zealand, was brought up before the Resident Magistrate, and remanded to Auckland.

• December 36. Captain Knight, of the Bebington, writes to the evening Journal explaining the cause for ms compromising the action brought by Miss .Philips, He Bays that owing to ill-health he wouldbe unable to appear in Court, ami preferred to settle the action to detaining himself and the ship to next Supreme Court sittings. He states that had he remained here he himself would have sued the plaintiff. Judge Johnston opened the Supreme Court tins morning.