LATE NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 430, 31 May 1902, Page 2

LATE NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

By Telegraph—Press Association. Christchurch, last night. Tho new City Destructor was opoued to-day by tho Mayor in tho presence of a largo number o£ representatives of local bodies.

Nelson, last night. A two-ycar-old daughter of Mr Jas. Parker was eating a walnut this afternoon when it stuck in her throat. A doctor was in attendance in a few moments, but it was impossible to save the child's life. At tho quarterly moeting of the Chamber of Commerce Mr Kirkpatrick, Chairman, in his address referred hopefully to the prospects of trade, and congratulated tire farmers ou starting a dairy factory. Ho also spoke of the prospects of exporting large quantities of apples as soon as the harbor improvments were offected. Ashburton, last night.

At tho meeting of the Coronation Committee to-night it was decided to havo a procession of trades, friondly societies, volunteers, and fire brigado to tho Domain, where oaks will bo planted. In the evening there will be fireworks and a general display, for which £SO was voted. It was decided that the balance of tho funds, estimated at £250, be spent on a permanent memorial. Tho form that this will take has not been doci led upon, but it is suggested that it bo a drinking fountain in Baring Square. Palmerston North, last night.

The Government havo decided to purchase a rifle range at Hokawliitu for tho local volunteers. Tho area to be acquired is about thirty acres. The joint-committees appointed by tho Borough Council and citizens met to-night, and finally agreed upon the programme for celebrating the Coronation and silver jubilee-of the borough. The principal features will bo tho united religious service, laying the foundation-stone of a fountain, and a fireworks’ display. Auckland, last night.

Tho Hon. J. Carroll spoke at a mooting of Mr F. Lawry’s constituents to-night. He said that the Government was determined as far as possible to put down speculation in Crown lauds. Ho spoko at some length on the native question, pointing out tho neod for technical education for Maoris. He said the Maoris were leaving behind the worst time they had gone through, but there was daylight before them, and when they had been put on an equality with the Pakeha in other matters, when they were in full enjoyment of the privileges extended to the Pakehas, thon they would have to face responsibilities also, and pay all rates and taxes paid by their white brethren. Mr Carroll referred to the license in tho King Country, and said it was necessary to provide conveniences for travellers in that country. He did not believe in prohibition, yet he did not believe licenses would settlo the difficulty with the Maoris. There was yet some solution of the difficulty to be discovered. Mr Lawry received a vote of thanks and confidence. The Chairman of the Charitable Aid Board, in reply to the Governor’s criticisms on the management of the Costly Home, contends that the patients in the Home are looked after better than ' before they wero admitted. . Tho Board does all it can for comfort and classification. Sick inmates are put in an infirmary, and a doctor calls regularly. The Chairman moves at the next meeting of tho Board that the charge for Imperial pensioners be reduced to 7s 6d. He blames the Government that the Costly authorities must admit those whom doctors and magistrates will not commit to an asylum. The Mayor suggests that in view of the Governor’s critieisms the Board appoint a representative committee of citizens to investigate matters in connection with the Home.

At a meeting of Auckland nurserymen, a resolution was carried condemning the action of the Government in entering into competition with private individuals by selling fruit-trees and cuttings, raised at the expense of the taxpayers, and urging the discontinuance of such sales.

A few months ago, the Yorkshire Society of Auckland forwarded to Lord Hawke warm congratulations on the Yorkshire cricketers being the champion county team for two years in succession. Lord Hawke, in reply, says: “ Pray convey to the Society my most sincere thanks for their congratulation on the late success of the Yorkshire Eleven, and for tho good wishes for its continued success. I can assure you that the great interest you taka in us will stimulate us more than ever to hold the championship for the third year, and if we fail it will not be for the want of trying or showing good old Yorkshire pluck, but that we had met with a better side than our own.

Invercargill, last night. The local oat market is firm, ail offering finding buyers at 2s 4|d for A grade, 2s 4d for B. 2s 3d to 2s 31-d for C, on trucks at wayside stations, sacks extra. There is a good enquiry for bright seed tartars at 2s sd, on the same terms. Eighteen years ago the Bluff Harbor Board, at a cost of £3500, constructed a i reservoir on the hill and laid pipes to the wharf for supplying shipping with water. The said pipes passed through the borough of Campbelltown, and by degrees the residents began to use the service. Lately the Borough Council has sought to get possession of the instalment, which had till lately not paid interest on cost. At the same meeting of the Board a letter was received from the Council offering £BSOO for the works, less depreciation, the corporation to have supply of the water for shipping so far as possible to do so, and at the price charged other consumers. The Council further suggested that the Board should take their debentures at 4 per cent, in payment. The Board has replied that it constructed the works at the instance of the Council ; that a large amount had been expended beyond the initial cost, and the Board cannot agree to part with control of the water for shipping. The Board was prepared to hand it over to the Borough and reticulation thereon on equitable terms, suggesting that the Borough should have a reservoir for itself. Members said the proposal was very cool. One catchment area is very limited. The Harbor Board set up a committee to consider the question of the reduction of port charges. It has been stated that the Bluff is now the dearest port in the colony to visit, but it is so only on the basis of suppositious, circumstances which are scarcely likely to arise.