NEW ZEALAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 32, 7 February 1901, Page 1

NEW ZEALAND.

[By Telegraph—Press Association.] Invercargill, last night. The Federation Commission opened its sittings to-day. The first witness called was Mr J. E. Watson, of the firm of Tothill, Watson, and Company, grain and produce merchants, and Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce. He stated there was a considerable trade between this part of the colony and New South Wales, which would be much interfered with if a tariff was put on. That had been the effect on the trade with Victoria and South Australia. Personally, he considered the commercial disadvantage most serious if we did not federate. Federation would open up the entire Australian colonies for the produce of this colony, which was hotter fitted to grow it than Australia. The loss of revenue would be more than compensated for by the fact that an enormous market would be opened. New Zealand was essentially a producing colony. These interests should bulk more largely than the welfare of our industries. If Australia became a competitor in the local wheat market, the farmers would reduce the price. He did not think the wheat trade or flour-millers would be prejudicially affected. He did not consider much harm would result to industries if the cost of labor was the same here as in Australia.

Wellington, last night,

The telegram from Napier yesterday that the Hawke’s Bay Jockey Club had taken no action with respect to the disqualification of R. Paterson, owner of Ringlet, ete., was incorrect. The Club have removed half the term of disqualification, which will now expire on the 9th of April next. Daniel Mahonoy, an old Wellingtonian and leading Catholic, died yesterday. Two of his sons are in the priesthood.

When the Midland Railway Commission met this morning the Chairman announced that he could not entertain the protest of Dr Findlay on behalf of the petitioners against the limited scope of the Commission. He also refused to receive a digest of the protest which Dr Findlay proffered. Dr Findlay thereupon said he would withdraw from the inquiry and go back for directions to the Chief Justice, on whose direction the protest was made. After consultation the Commissioners decided to record the protest pro forma. As the petitioners were not ready with evidence, the Commission adjourned till to-morrow. It has been pretty well decided that their tour will commence at the Nelson end.

Parata and Tamahau Mawapuku waited on the Native Minister this morning with regard to the establishment of a fund amongst the Natives to erect a statue of the Queen, either by the Maoris themselves or by co-operating with the people of Wellington. Sir Robert Stout was able to sit in the Supreme Court to-day. Charles Cherry and Charles Arney were sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment for indecent assaults on young girls. Albert Binfield, for forgery and uttering, got 12 months’ hard labor. Ramib Keirooz, a Syrian, pleaded guilty to arson, but as he was proved to be of weak intellect, he was admitted to probation. In the case of Walter Phillips, who pleaded guilty to embezzlement from the Imperial Insurance Company, an application was made for probation, and accused was remanded till Saturday.

The Government are advised that Privates Brockett (Waikato), Bonnor (Stratford), and Allen (Kangiora), all Third Contingent men, are dangerously ill at Pretoria. Private MThee (Wairoa), of the Fourth Contingent), was seriously wounded at Blinkfontein on the 27th ult, Already £l2O has been subscribed by the Maoris to the project they have on foot for the erection ef a statue of the Queen

Auckland, this day,

Sir Westby Percival, Lady Percival, and their son and daughter, arrived from Sydney by the Alameda this morning. Sir Westby declined to state his intentions or future movements.

Christchurch, this day.

Wilding, who attempted to cut his throat on Monday night, is progressing favourably at the hospital, and is practically out of danger. The North Canterbury Education Board’s truant officer had the names of 1548 children to deal with last year, Court proceedings being taken in 244 cases.

Sergeant-Major Coleman reports very favourably on the results of the teachers’ drill classes here, and advocates practical examinations in drill. The Board will ask the Department for the services of the Sergeant-Major again this year, also for the supply of drill manuals for school teachers.

Strathnairn was scratched to-day for Hornby Welter Handicap at the Canterbury Jockey Club’s meeting. Thames, last night.

Major-General Thomas Henry Stoddart, who served in India, but retired on a full pension 22 years ago, when he came to New Zealand and settled at liatikati, died at his daughter’s (the widow of the late Major Swindley) residence, Parawai, yesterday afternoon, aged 77. Palmerston North, last night.

The annual meeting of the District Grand Lodge of Druids for the North Island commenced at Palmerston North last evening. There were 23 officers and delegates present, the District Grand President, Bro. McKenna, occupying the chair. The statement of balances for the half-year ended November 30th last was as follows : Funeral fund, £2791 18s sd: incidental, £74 12s 74d: total, £2866 11s o£d. The auditors stated that the total increase for the year was £620 5s lHd on all funds. A resolution was passed recording the deep sympathy of the Conference in connection with the death of the Queen. The Borough Council has decided to strike a rate of id in the £ on the unimproved value for a loan of £IO,OOO for serwerage works.