BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

Evening Star, Issue 4184, 25 July 1876, Page 3

BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

Tauranga, July 24. A terrific S.E. gale has been blowing since noon yesterday. The sea made a clean breach over the sea-wall on the strand, impeding traffic. The debris of boats was caught in the wharf piles. Cottages were unroofed and fences blown down in all directions. The gale is abating.

Auckland, July 25. At the Court inquiry into the wreck of the Lady Franklin at Kaipora, the evidence showed that the chain parted when the captain and mate were ashore. The certificates of both officers were suspended for one month. The report that fresh fever cases have broken out on board the Bebington is untrue. The vessel will probably be admitted to pratique to-morrow. A largely attended meeting of Eden electors last night was convened for the purpose of supporting the Auckland members in the House, Mr Robert Graham chairman. All the speakers spoke against the Government. Mr Graham, in referring to the sale of the Piako Swamp, said the Government must have been deceived regarding the nature of the block. He could say that 20,000 acres of it was good arable dry land worth Ju3 per acre. The following resolutions were earned:—(l.) "That our representatives and the Auckland members be asked to sup port Mr Whitaker's resolutions to make the land revenue Colonial revenue, and failing to carry it to support separation of the two islands." (2.) "That the thanks of the meeting be forwarded to Sir George Grey and the Auckland members for their united and bold stand on behalf of the Province of Auckland."

Wellington, July 25. The N.Z.S.S. Company intend selling their remaining steamer and winding up the Company. A large number of shares have been taken in the new projected Gas Company, which undertakes to supply gas at 10s per thousand feet.

A committee ef influential citizens haß been appointed to decide upon the most suitable manner in which to perpetuate the memory of the late Dr Featherston. .The delegates of the Friendly Societies of Wellington met a number of the members House of Representatives to consider the Friendly Societies' Bill. The delegates undertook to prepare questions to be sent by the Government to the various branch societies throughout the Colony in order to ascertain their exact views on the new Bill. Only one wire was working north of Wellington yesterday, telegraph communication being much interrupted. The Public Works Statement will be delivered this evening. There is a report current of a find of gold above the Hutt.

a t * , Grahamstown, July 25. A fearful easterly gale occurred last night, accompanied by the heaviest rainfall experienced for years. The extent of damage done is not yet ascertained, but the lowlying portions of the borough are under water still The Karaka OW was so flooded that large loga were brought down, and these, coming in contact w : th the stmts of the bridge ,n Pollen street, weakened the structure, and the road sank about a foot on one side of the street;, which will necessitate abnost a new bridge being built. riiw^ 01100136 surrounded to such a depth that it is unapproachable. Culverts and open drains are much injured, and there have been several landslips.

(From our own Otxre/rpondent )

m, • „ Napier, July 25. The rivers are all overflowing their banks llie Meaneeis ana worse condition than ever It broke through at the Catholic Mission-house. There is no further newmJSLT* i° f th , e Bt °PP a ge of traffic.' Damage has been done to the railway line