NEW ZEALAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 392, 17 April 1902, Page 4

NEW ZEALAND.

(Per Press Associate a.) AUCKLAND, last night.. The body of Mr Johnstone, chief engineer of the Herald, missing since yesterday, was found in Manakau Harbour. At the Harbour Board it was stated' that Mr Gray, Secretary of Telegraphs, had telegraphed to the SolicitorGeneral who had given an opinion that the cable steamers on the Pacific cable service were exempt from harbour dues. Though nominally in the service of the Pacific Cable Hoard, they were actually on the service of His Majesty, represented by the Governments interested in the Pacific cable. Mr Gray asked for a refund of dues paid by the Anglia. The letter was sent to the finance committee for the opinion of the Board’s solicitor to be got. The Auckland members oT Parliament have received a circular from the Chief Engineer of Roads, asking them to forward not later than April 30 a schedule of all works, roads-, bridges, etc., in each electoral district for which they desire provision to be made on the next Estimates. The new departure is to secure information in a uniform and comprehensive manner. John Dully, for assaulting constables was committed for trial. The injured constable Irwin is Mill an inmate of the hospital. At the Board of Education a num-' her of applications for exemption for private schools under the School Attendance Act was received. The chairman said the private schools numbered fifty. If the inspectors had to visit the whole, the work of inspection would have to he reorganised. He suggested that private schools be asked to furnish a list of teachers employed, and qualifications . It was resolved that the applicants furnish evidence of efficient conduct of the schools. Further consideration was adjourned. Sailed, H.iU.S. Royal Arthur, Ringarooma, and Lizard, for Bay of Islands. They return to Auckland on April 25 to coal, and leave for Sydney on May 2nd. The Mildura has sailed for Sydney.WOODVILLE, last night. A fatal accident occurred at Mangatainoka railway station last night. Charles Spanger was standing on the edge of the platform when the 9.30 train came in. He suddenly lurched forward and was struck by the cowcatcher. When picked up he was quite dead, his neck being broken, and there also being a gash on the side or his head. Deceased, who was a cabinetmaker, had only one leg. The Woodville members of the Bisley team are to he entertained on Monday.

PALMERSTON N., last night. The Manawatu Hockey Association intend taking steps to form a New Zealand Association. Five clubs have affiliated with the local Association. Thos. I-leflernan, charged with the theft of £2 from W. Wilmot, who occupied the same room at au hotel, has been committed to the Wellington Supreme Court for sentence. WELLINGTON, last night. I-I M.S. Phoebe has arrived from the Chatham®.

Mr Aitken has been re-elected unopposed as Mayor of Wellington. The Wellington suburban Mayoral nominations are : Melrose, Messrs R. Keene, A. 11. Fujlford, and A. Jorgensen ; Onslow, Messrs P. Cavanagh and It. B. Williams ; Petone, Messrs G. Mothes (the present Mayor) and J. Toomath. CHRISTCHURCH, last night. In the Divorce Court Judge Dcnniston granted a decree nisi in the Nelson suit, Minnie Eliza Palmer v. Edward Percy Palmer. A decree nisi was granted in the case Wooldridge v. Wooldridge, husband’s petition, unopposed by the wife, who is now residing in Wellington. TIMARU, last night. The I-lon. W. Hall-Jones will address his ~ constituents early next month. DUNEDIN, last night. Goodwin, who was found on private premises last week and had a sxruggle with the hoarders before being secured was charged with burglary at the Police Court this morning. He pleaded guilty, and was remanded to the .Supreme Court for sentence. INVERCARGILL, last night.

Mr G. S. Longuet has been re-elect-ed Mayor of Invercargill, unopposed. WANGANUI, last night.

Mr Thomas Mitchell, late proprietor of llie Aramoho Freezing Works, has leased the Patea Freezing Works, which have been closed down for the past two years, for a term of three years.

At the Police Court this morning, three sailors of the brigantine Enterprise were charged with refusing to go to sea. They pleaded guilty, and stated that the ship leaked, and that the bow and forecastle were wet during the fortnight’s trip from Timaru to Wanganui, and alleged that the cargo of breadslufl's was also damaged through tlie vessel making water. The Court adjourned to enable a survey to he made, and on resuming at 2 o’clock the shipwright who made the survey said an expenditure of about £1 would repair the vessel. On this being done, the men expressed their willingness to go to sea, and the case was adjourned until to-mor-row..