BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH

Evening Star, Issue 3778, 3 April 1875, Page 2

BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH

Nflson, April 3. Further news from the Sandspit says that a fiddle figure head, painted black, with raised carving, painted yellow, has been found ; and also a windlass, with the chock painted, first coat green and the second yellow; also several blue gum stanchions. Measles is very prevalent here, several cases having occurred during the last three days. A slight explosion occurred at the Gasworks last night, injuring two men who were clearing out the scrubber, in which a small quantity of gas had been left. One man was a good deal burned about the face and neck.

m, < , Wellington, April 3. The Tribune’ says it has reason to believe that the report by Major Palmer ou thepurvevs ot the Colony is to be laid before the House of Representatives next session, and will be such as to astonish the public, as an expose of official and professional blundering, and this not in one Province only, but in all alike. Major Palmer is busy getting his information into shape, as he has to return to England by the next San Francisco mail steamer to give his account of the Transit of Venus to the Homo authorities. The Customs returns, exclusive of harbor charges, amounted last quarter to L 36,984, and for the corresponding quarter of last v'av to L 32.939. J

Within the past fortnight, 320,000 ft of timber was imported, A cargo of Grey Hirer coal, lecently iruported for the gasworks, has been pronounced of very superior quality.

(From our own Correspowlznts.)

rp. , , . , Balolutha, April 3. i lie launch of the new stern whet 1 steamer was fixed for yesterday, and drew together a large number of visitors to Port Molyneux frem the surrounding districts, but, in consequence of the want of water, did not cake place. The next tide to suit will be on Tuesday, fhere.shou d be nearly eighteen inches hLbur water then, and it is confidently expected she will be launched that day. Mason, the

builder, was urged to launch, but considered it a wise course to delay the launch for a higher tide. Much regret was expressed at the delay, but tbe cause was unavoidable. The Odd* fellows and other bodies were present in fait regalia. A ball and other sports were held last night.

Ten vessels, bound for the south, ere lying windbound in the Molyneux bay, while there is no appearance of change of weather.

Queenstown, April s. The case of Powell v. Barry and Charlotte Sloan has now been publioafly tak jn up. A memorial condemning the harshness of the proceedings in Sloan’s case has been signed by the magistrates, clergymen, and nearly every person of influence. Ladies also sign a similar statement. he judgment of the Bench was declared equitable upon the evidence adduced • but the memorial points out several extenusting circumstances, and attributes the prosecution to a quarrel in the hotel. The reports furnished to tbe 4 Dunstan Times’ and the Dunedin 1 Times’ are one sided, and suppressed (he fact that Barry was discharged without the shadow of a ease against him, and that i.n the second case the magistrate reluctantly sentenced Sloan. I'he 4 Wakatin Mail ’ publishes a full report, Barry has sued Powell for L2OO in the District Court for malicious imprisonment.

< Chrtstchukch, . pril 3. Madame and Miss Winter gave a concert last night, when the whole opera of 44 Maritana ’ was performed by fifty performers, and vas wonderfully well done, considering there were no scenery and accessories. Mr J, C. Watts Russell, who died this morn* uig, was one of the most prominent Canterbury pilgrims, and was a large sheep farmer some years ago, but lately retired brora active life md tilled a good many high places in social affairs. For some years ho was district grand master of the masons, and also judge at the annual races almost since the commencement. He was well known, greatly respected, and hia genial manners and invariable good nature made him a favorite with.everyone. He was formerly in a cavalry regiment, either the 16th "r 17tli Lancers, but retired on his marriage. ...ml emigrated to New Zealand in the* Sir reorge Seymour, arriving at Lyttelton in December, 1850. Mr and Mrs Hoskins open to-night. inquest yesterday afternoon on the man Ti ,ton, who got out of bed at the hospital, went to a closet, squeezed himself though a window—a very small one—walked to the Acclimatisation Gardens, and was found iu a fish pond some hours after, lying iu two feet of water quite dead, a verdict of 44 accidentally drowned while suffering from delirium ” waa returned. Mr Redwood’s string, consisting of eight twoyear olds, arrived safe yesterday, and are a very fine lot.

m. ' . , A . . Napier, April 3. ine total deaths registered in the Napier district for the past quarter, was 94 against 106 births. Of the deaths, 22 only were adults. 'lhe total customs revenue for the past quarter was L 11.814 14s 9d, being 1.794 increase on the corresponding quarter of 1874. A life-boat just landed for the port cost L6OO. Eight packages containing gear are missing, I here is no boat house or crew.

Sickness stiil continues, aud a benevolent fuud lias been raised to aid distressed’ sick persons.

_ . Auckland, April 2. It is reported that Sir George G.ey has little hope of effecting much in the Assembly as at present constituted, but trusts to a general election to alter the constitution of the House. Seven hundred shares in the Masonic Hall Company have already been taken, and It ia expected the project will be readily floated. During the measles epidemic at Fiji, the Natives churches were used as hospitals. The chiefs were inattentive to the sufferers, which caused great mortality amongst them. The epidemic was abating when the steamer left, , latest cablegrams. London, March 23. • The death is announced of the Count de Jar* nac, French Ambassador in London. March 24. H.R. H. the Prince of Wales has gone to Mentone, in Italy. In the ouse of Commons, the second reading was carried of a Bill for the partial repeal of the Coercion Laws relating to Ireland. ’uring the debate Mr Disraeli emphatically denied any disavowal of the meaning attributed to bis Guildhall speech, in consequence of the remonstrances of Prince Bismarck. Parliament has adjourned for the Easter holidays until the sth of April.