NEW ZEALAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 356, 5 March 1902, Page 1

NEW ZEALAND.

(Per Press Association). WELLINGTON, last night.

The Cabinet has decided to take the necessary steps to have the WestportCardiff mine declared a State coal mine. Mr Hayes, Inspecting Engineer to the Mines Department, has- been in-, structed to report on the best means of opening up the mine, laying tramways, etc. No expenditure beyond the £IOOO voted last session will be undertaken until new Parliamentary authority is obtained.. It is expected it will be a year before the mine will be able to supply coal. AUCKLAND, last night. At the Premier’s Testimonial Committee meeting a letter from the Premier stated that he would be in Auckland for the departure of the Ninth Contingent on March 19. It was resolved to ask the Premier whether lie will take his final departure hence when he leaves the colony ; if not, the latest date he can conveniently meet the people of Auckland. At the Police Court A. 11. Nathan and his storeman, W. J. Dallen, were charged with describing beer delivered' at Auckland railway station consigned to the King Country as “ sundries ’ The case against Nathan was withdrawn, and Dallen was fined 20s and costs. , . . .

NAPIER, last night. Mr J. G. Gilberd, secretary to the Fire Brigades Association, and the local delegates left to-day to attend the Conference at Hokitika. Dr Milne-Thompson, who has been appointed Surgeon-Major of the Ninth Contingent, left to-day en route to Dunedin. , ... CHRISTCHURCH, last night. His Excellency Admiral Beaumont paid an official call on His Excellency the Governor at the City Council Chambers this morning, which lasted dose on forty minutes. The Governor returned the Admiral’s call this afternoon at Te Koralia, the residence of the Mavor, Mr A. E. G. Rhodes • INVERCARGILL, last night. The Supreme Court sittings opened before the Cnicf Justice to-day. His Honor congratulated the jury on the lightness of the calendar. There were only two cases to consider, one of false pretences and the other against five voting men of breaking into a Chinaman’s hut at Orepuki and stealing liquor and tobaepo. A young | woman named Minnie Ackers, who pleaded guilty to forgery, was admitted to probation for twelve months.