BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

Evening Star, Issue 3885, 6 August 1875, Page 3

BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

Grahamstown, August 5. It is stated that a flux has been discovered by a gentleman on the Thames for treating Taranaki iron sand. An experiment tried on a small scale has been successful, ami a patent has been applied for. The inventor will shortly have a public test. There were forty-two applications for agiicultnral leases at Ohiueumti. About 850 acres were allotted.

Greyjiouth, August 5. The body of Mr E. B. box, who was d' owned in the New River on Saturday last, was fouuT to day on the beach, twelve miles north of Greymputh. The body will be interred with Masonic honors.

Christchurch, August 6. At a public meeting hold last night to consider tho abolition question, the Mayor presided, Mr Wynn Wil iams, late Provincial Solicitor, moved that—“ This meeting cordially approves of the proposals contained in the ■ oveniment Bills for the abolition of the Provinces, and for the. constitution of districts throughout the Colony to have the contiol of local revenues, aud believes that, if carried into effect, they will be conducive of great and Lasting benefit to the country.” The motion was received with loud cheers, and Councillor Jones seconded it. The Rev. C. Fraser, iu an eloquent speech on the folly of hasty legislation on such r vital question, moved as an amendment “ That this meeting is of opinion that the abolition of Provinces Bill.should not be forced on without affording the people of the Colony at the approaching general election an opportunity of exercising the right to vote upon so important an; organic change in the Constitution of the The amendment was received with mingjed'cheers and hisses. Mr W. M. Maskell, Provincial Secretary, s conded the amendment. During his speech he was repeatedly interrupted* with hisses and running comments. He was the only speaker whom the audience was unwilling to hear, and this was due to his personal unpopularity. Mr E. C. J. t-tevens, formerly member of the Assembly for Selwyn district, supported the original resolution in an excellent speech, and Dr Turnbull, M.P.C., spoke well in support of the amendment. The Mayor then vacattd the chair, and in a short speech urged the citizens to adopt the resolution. The amendment, on being put, was negatived, and the resolution was carried almost unanimously, with prolonged cheering. Mv A. Saunders, formerly Superintendent of Nelson, tu a capital|speech| then moved:—“ That the treatment which this City has received from the pres-nt Council of this Province is such that this meting can have no desire to prolong the existence of such injustice by opposing the immediate abolition of Provincial Councils ; at the same time, it desires to avoid any expression of approbation of the Government measures—especially in their substitution of nominated for elected superintendents, the excessive plurlity of votes they give to property at the election of new boards, and the large borrowing power they confer upon Provinces that have neither land nor revenue to offer as security.” Mr R. Higgins, M.P.C., seconded the motion, which, on being put, was declared negatived by a large majority. The meeting then closed.

{From our own Correspondents )

Lawrence, August 6. Balloting for tho deferred payment sections has commenced, and the Courthouse is mummed with people. The O’Connell Centenary was celebrated in the Town Hall last night by a banquet and ball. Dr Halley was in the chair, and about 100 people were present. Mr J. J. Wood’s delivered the speech of the evening. The affair passed off well, and dancing was kept up till six this morning. There was a display of fireworks in front of the hall before the banquet. Mr W. M ‘Kay lectured last night in Storry’s Assembly Room. There was 100 people present, and a collection was made afterwards for t!ie Hospital The subject was the Heriot Hundred’s climate, soil, etc.

Queenstown, August f>. The O Connell Centenary Banquet and Ball was a success. Mr Mauders replied to the toast of “ Tho Superintendent and Provincial Council,” and stated that though at first ho was prejudiced against Provincial institutions, be found them doing good Colonial work so fur as Otago was concerned. Ho considered that tho present proposals of the General Government should be submitted to tho country. Th,- (.pinion was approvingly cheered, Thompson, of Messrs Thompson and Jenkins, of Arrowtown, was found after the dose of tho ball dead in Eichmlt’s Hotel. He h.ul been drinking heavily. Tho general feeling here is that an appeal to tho country should be made, as the local Go-vu-iimont Bill involves taxation.

The new newspaper compuiy, it is hoped, by tho public,_ will give a larger paper and en eap er .id vc rti se ment?.