NEW ZEALAND TELEGRAMS.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 6 February 1901, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND TELEGRAMS.

(pee press association.)

Loyal Maoris. Wellington, February 5

Parata and Tamahau Mahapuka wait on the native Minister to-morrow morning with regard to the establishment of a fund amongst the natives to erect a statue to the late Queen, either by the Maoris themselves or by co-operating with the people of Wellington. Bad Fruit. A number of naval volunteers in camp at the forts suffered from severe pains and sickness after partaking stewed fruit. It was afterwards found the fruit had been prepared in vessels which had been galvanised and thus subject to the action of the acid in the fruit.

Trade Dispute

Auckland, February 5

The Conciliation Board met to-day to consider a dispute in the building trade. The award under which the trade had been working for the last 18 months expired in December last and the men arc now asking for an increase in wages from Is 2d to Is 4d per hour, on the ground that the cost of living has increased and that wages should be brought into line with those ruling the same trade in the southern cities. Upon most of the other points both sides agree. The Board resumes to-morrow.

Rifle Association Meeting.

Wellington, This Day.

It is believed that there is a sufficient number of rifles available for the intending competitors from the South Island at the New Zealand Bifle Association Meeting.

Obituary

Wellington, This Day,

Daniel Mahoney an old Wellingtonian and a leading catholic died yesterday. Two of his sons are in the priesthood.

Disqualification of Ringlet.

Tho telegram from Napier yesterday that the Hawkes Bay Jockey Club Dad taken no action with respect to the disqualification of R. Paterson, owner of Ringlet, was incorrect. The Club have removed half the term of disqualification which will now expire on the 9th of April next.

Supreme Court Sittings. Wellington, This Day.

Stout was able to sit at the Supreme Court to-day. Charles Cherry, and Charles Arncy wore sentenced to eighteen months for indecent assaults on young girls. Albert Eenfield for forging and uttering was sentenced to twelve months. Ramcb Keirooz, a Syrian, pleaded guilty of arson but as he was proved to bo weak in the intellect he was admitted to probation. In the case of Walter Phillips who pleaded guilty of embezzlement from the Imperial Insurance Co. an application was made for probation, and accused was remanded till Arrival of Sir Weatby Percival. Auckland, This Day.

Sir Westby Percival and family arrived from Sydney to-day. He declines to state his intentions.

Seventh Contingent.

Christchurch, Tills Day.

It is stated here that a seventh contingent of from 800 to 1,000 men will lie sent to South Africa, and on Scddon s return arrangements arc to be made for its departure. New Zealanders Seriously ill. Wellington, February (3. The Government has been advised that Privates Bowekctt (Waikato), Bonnor (Stratford), and Allen (Rangiora), all of the Third Contingent, are dangerously ill at Pretoria. Private M'Phce (Wairoa), of the Fourth Contingent, was seriously wounded at Blinkefotcin on the 27th.

Statue to the Queen’s Memory. A project is afoot among the Maoris for the erection of a statue to the Queen. £2,020 is already in hand.

WESTPORT COAL COMPANY.

(per press association.)

Dunedin, February 5,

The Directors of the Westport Coal Coy in the nineteenth annual report state that the profit for the year, after providing for bad and doubtful debts, depreciation and charges, amounts to £23,573, 7s to which must bo added £6,452 3s lid brought forward, making £30,025, 10s lid. An interim dividend of 31 per cent for the half-year absorbed £7,275 0s 7d, leaving a balance of £22,750 10s 4d. Out of this the directors now propose to pay 41 per cent for the half-year ending 31st December, making 8 per cent for the year, absorbing £0,353 12s 2d, to carry £SOOO to the reserve fund, and to carry forward £8,395 18s 2d.