NEW ZEALAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 371, 21 March 1902, Page 1

NEW ZEALAND.

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, last night. Mr W' R. Douglas, chief engineer of the steamer Paeroa, has been appointed inspector of machinery for the colony. He formerly worked with Denny Bros., of Dunbarton, and Elder Bros., and was late chief engineer with the Union Steam Ship Company. A woman named Jessie Gill, aged 87 died in the hospital from burns sustained through setting tire to the bedding while pursuing the habit of smoking in bed. The Premier left this morning for Waikato to meet the farmers of Hamilton and Cambridge. At a conference of delegates of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union the Chairman, Mr Wright, said the roll of membership numbered 20,000. There was a credit balance of £IOO. Whereever he had gone he had found members working diligently to form a compact of the whole of the different brandies. Mr Glass, the organising secretary,, reported that in every district except Westland branches had been organised. Concessions had been obtained from the Government. Negotiations were progressing for a reduction of railway rates on farm goods. The shareholders of the Northern Steamship Company have increased the Company’s capital, creating 150,000 shares at 14s 6d nominally paid up, making a total of £300,000, of which £40,000 is issued and £IIO,OOO reserved. NAPIER, last night. A dwelling in Thompson road, owned by R. W. Hansard, and occupied by T. A. Shirley, was totally destroyed b y fire early this morning. The flames spread with remarkable rapidity, and the inmates had only just time to get out of the burning building. Nothing was saved. The insurances are £450 on the building in tlie North British and Mercantile, and £290 on the furniture, etc., in the Manchester and Standard. INVERCARGILL, last night. The London Board of the New Zealand Shipping Company have declared an interim dividend for the half-year ending December 31st at the rate of live per cent, per annum. In view of the shortness of time available for the mobilisation of the tenth contingent, the Cabinet has decided that it must be despatched from two of the four, larger centres. A public meeting under the auspices of the Socialist party adopted a resolution moved by Mr Tom Mann condemning the principle of the Flour Trust, and urging on the people the necessity of taking steps to counteract the influence of such trusts by establishing State industries. 'The meeting also pledged itself to use the flour of the Northern Roller Mills if equally good. The appeal Court was occupied to-

day with the hearing of the Christchurch case Hall v. Hall and another. The appellant is the proprietor of the Turkish baths at Christchurch, and sought a divorce from his wife on the grounds of adultery. Mr Justice Denniston found the case proved, and also granted a decree. Subsequently evidence was heard on a counter charge of adultery against the husband The Judge found this proved, and also in this case granted a decree. The present action is by the husband against the finding oi adultery against himself The appeal brought out two grounds, one o£ fact and one of law. First, that the evidence did not support the husband’s adultery, and secondly, that the charge of adultery being proved against the wife, the appellant was entitled to a divorce. CHRISTCHURCH, last night. Mr J. Scott, secretary to the Victorian Royal Commission, which is to reach New Zealand next week to enquire into the working and effect of labor legislation in New Zealand, is at present in Christchurch, arranging for sittings of the Commission, which begins work at Dunedin, and goes north through the colony to Auckland. The Commission includes the Hons. A. R. Outrim, M.P.,.R. Reid, S. Sternberg, and S Godfrey, M.L.C., and Messrs F. 11. Bromley, G. H. Bennett, and H. S. W. Lawson, M.P.’s, besides five other members who will not visit the „ „ 1

TIMARU, last night. The officers of the South Canterbury Infantry Battalion have decided to hold a battalion camp at Easter near Cave, about eighteen miles from Timaru. The camp is to last four days, and is to be one for instruction in field operations, including held firing with ball cartridge. The South Canterbury Bakers Association have decided in order to protect country bakers, that all bread railed into the country by town bakers shall be sent f.o.b. at the place where

DUNEDIN, last night. Last night the City Council received from Noyes Bros- a detailed estimate and maximum estimate for conversion of the tramway system. The detailed estimate is £160,891, and the maximum £170,000. The amount stated the Mayor, was somewhat higher than anticipated, but Noyes Bros, explained that the increase was accounted for by certain extra works which had been rendered necessary on account of alterations by the Council in the origina system. The Council agreed to both CS, rhe Education Board has refused to trive leave to teachers who might be felected for the South African Concentration camps.