NEW ZEALAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 417, 16 May 1902, Page 1

NEW ZEALAND.

(Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, last night. On the eve of his departurefor Wellington, Mr Malcolm Niccol, Grand Secretary of the New Zealand Constitution of Free Masons was presented with a purse of sovereigns at a large gathering of brethren in recognition of the work done for the Craft in Auckland and through New -Zealand. NAPIER, Mast night. The following resolution was carried at this morning’s session of the Women’s Council: “That tills Council'deplores the militarism which is extending its ravages over the world, increasing the burdens of every people, fomenting national and international, jealousy, and inciting virulent racial hatred. The Coumcil considers the difficulties between nations are always capable of peaceable settlement if mediatory methods be employed in time, and it therefore looks forward hopefully to the result of the establishment of an international committee of arbitration.” PALMERSTON N., last night, Mr 11. J. Mansion has announced his .candidature for the Manawatu seat.. It is understood he will stand in the Government interest. Returns which hav e been prepared show that on March 31st, 1902, there were 107 old age pensions current in the district, aggregating £2775, and averaging £l6 11s each. FEILDING, last night A severe thunderstorm with vivid lightening occurred last night, and gale with rain to-day. It is bitterly cold and the ranges are covered with snow. No damage is reported. WANGANUI, last night. Heavy rains have fallen during the last few days, and it is still raining heavily. The creeks in the district are swollen, and flood in the rivers is threatened. It is the roughest weather experienced here for a long time. NEW PLYMOUTH, last night. During the night Bellinger’s oil and colour stores were entered, and an attempt made to rob the safe by drilling a hole under the lock. Apparently the robbers were .disturbed before much progress was made and they decamped Other premises lately have been burglariously entered. A violent thunder and hail storm was experienced last night. The weather is still boisterous.

HAWERA, last night. Mr Major, the retiring Mayor, was presented last evening with a solid silver epergne and salver subscribed for by the public, in recognition of twenty years’ service to the borough in the rapacity of Councillor for eight years and Mayor for twelve. NELSON, last night. Speaking on the South African War at Motueka yesterday, Sir Joseph Ward said that, as far as one could judge, there was every .probability of p -ce being proclaimed. He remarked that it would be a singular coincidence if the declaration of peace took place simultaneously with the arrival of the New Zealand Premier (Mr Sedrton) in South Africa. All were anxious to see the termination of the war, and if such a happy augury should occur upon the date of the arrivalof the Premier of the Colony of New Zealand—a colony which had done its full share in in assisting to fight the battles of the Empire in South Africa—it would, while being a unique ocurrence, give pleasure to a great many of the Premier’s admirers. His remarks were received with applause.