NEW ZEALAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 1964, 27 December 1906, Page 1

NEW ZEALAND.

FIRE—36 MOTOR CARS DESTROYED.

Press Association. Auckland, Tuesday. A now two-storey bricK builumg, occupied by Ryan and Co., engineers, was gutted by lire to-day, tlio contents destroyed including 30 motor ears, valued lrom about ±IIO,OOO to £15,000, also plant valued at £BOOO. i lie origin ol the fire is a mystery, ino bunding and plant are about covered by insurance, but stock represented ail almost complete loss.

HOME RULE FUND

WELLINGTON, last night. Contributions from Wellington to the Home Rule Fund total between £4OO and £SOO. The actual amount received is about £250, but otliei sums have been paid in without the names of the donors being given. Mr. Martin Kennedy has been appointed treasurer to the fund, not only for Wellington, but for the whole of the colony. The following are the chief local subscriptions:-—Martin Kennedy £SO, Mrs. Martin Kennedy £25, Mr. H. Gilmer £25, Maurice O’Connor £25, Archbishop Redwood £25, Air. James Donley £lO 10s, Messrs. Divan Bros, and Air. 0. AlcCardlo £lO.

PARAPARA IRON LEASE

NEW PLYMOUTH, last night. Interviewed by a “News” reporter regarding a telegram from Mr. Wilson, to the ell'cct that the Parapara iron lease, held by the Public Trustee on behalf of the Cadman Estate, has changed hands and been purchased by a Christchurch syndicate, Mr. Berry stated that while in the main correct, it does not quite give the right impression, as it makes it appear that the late Sir Alfred Cadman and Berry’s syndicate had sold outright to a Christchurch syndicate. This was not so. The present holders retain a larger share than before. The Christchurch syndicate have paid Berry a first deposit as agreed on and cabled and obtained the services of an expert, who on arrival will set out further works at Parapara first. After that he will come to New Plymouth to lay out a site for furnaces, tramways, etc. Then he will probably leave to superintend the erection of various plants required. To the meantime the works of development will not stand still, hut lie proceeded with under capable management, ft is not intended lo raise the whole capital of £750.000 at once, but sufficient capital has already been promised to erect furnaces and put pig-iron on the markets in New Zealand and Australia at a price that will shut out the imported article, while supplying superior ore. When this is effectively done, it is anticipated that the balance of shares will easily sell at a premium. Mr. Berry is to bold the position of director on the hoard of the company when ■ formed. The prospectus is to ho issued as soon as time permits, and a limited number of shares will be put on the market, and the public of this colony and Australia will have an opportunity to subscribe, but nearly the whole of the first issue lias already been taken up.

WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY

Wellington, Monday, The Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company, through its Australasian representative, Captain Walker, made proposals to the Government for the establishment of wireless telegraph stations round the New Zealand coast. It is understood the Company is willing to erect and equip the proposed stations at its own expense, and work them for a term of years, provided the Government pay it an annual subsidy to cover working expenses and maintenance. The Company would train engineers and operators out here. The proposed system would be for commercial use as between ships and the shore, and there would probably be connections between the mainland and the Chatham, Auckland, Kermadecs, and other islands, and other islands, and the various lighthouses,