NEW ZEALAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 519, 16 September 1902, Page 1

NEW ZEALAND.

(Per Press Association.) WHANGAREI, last night, the New Zealand Portland Cement Company’s works at, Limestone Island, has been completely destroyed by die, including a comparatively new lUni. The damage is estimated at £20,000 About 50 people have been thrown out ol employment. The scow Pukapuka, at the Cement Company’s wharf, narrowly escaped destruction, as a strong south-west gale was blowing. NAPIER, last night. The Chief Justice to-day granted a divource in the ease of Frank Ormond v. Mary Ormond, husband’s petition. The case was heard in camera. NEW PLYMOUTH, last night. Obituary : Mr John Elliot, of MaJioenui, on .Saturday night He was a native of New and filled many public positions-, and was about to contest the Earnout, seat. An unoccupied cottage on Smart road, owned by Peter Martin, was destroyed by fire ear,y this morning. There is probably no insurance.

MASTERTON, last night. Grass is very backward in the district, having absolutely no growth for feed so far. The herbage in exposed •place.s is phenomenally bare. Vegetables are very scarce through the slow growth. The winter was a long and hard one, and the spring generally is backward.

' WELLINGTON, last night. A deputation from the New Zealand Veterans’ Association has offered the services f the Association to the Government as the third line of the Colour's defences. It was pointed out that reserves would he valuable for garrison duties. The Minister of Defence promised to bring the offer before the Cabinet. The smallpox patient continues to improve, and will be released within a week or so. INVERCARGILL, last night

At a meeting of the Provincial Council of the Farmers’ Union it was resolved that the Government be asked fcj instruct their veterinary surgeons to attend all cases when called upon, and to institute a scale of chargers ty go to the Government; that manures tie supplied on guaranteed analysis ; and that an analyst lie procured for that purpose, also to analyse soils. It was resolved to protest against co-operat-ive labor on Government or local bodies work as too costly. It was resolved to take steps to secure a reduction of freitrht on live stock bi rail to and a shortening of the time of transit. It was stated that the freight was the same as 20 years ago, namely £0 per truck.

DUNEDIN, last night. A silling of the Criminal Court was held to-day to rehear a charge against William Frederick Lowry, of assaulting Hannah Maggie Isabell Barr with intent to commit a crime on July 26th.