THE PROVINCES.

Globe, Volume I, Issue 19, 22 June 1874, Page 3

THE PROVINCES.

HAWKE’S BAY. The report of the inspector of sheep for Hawke’s Bay seems, says the “ New Zealand Times,” to be a very interesting document. According to an abstract in the “ Herald,” the inspector estimates the average lambing of the present year at 05 per cent on the breeding ewes, and expects that the returns of May last would foot up to nearly 1,200,000 sheep. He estimates that nearly one half of the sheep in the province arc now cither longwools. or cross-brcds. The import r of purc-brecd sheep at Napier during the past year amount to 709 in all. Foot rot, he observes, has been more general, but not so virulent as in past years, and the province is still fortunately from scab, and owing to the effect of precautions taken, there is no present danger of it. To the report is appended a return of the sheep of the province, belonging to each shcepowncr, with the amount of assessment paid. The largest is Mr Johnston, of Oruawaru, whose sheep now amount to 30,270; Mess's D. and W. Hunter come next, with 30,400 ; and the Eissingto.i and Aplcy estates, set down in the report as the property of Colonel Whitmore, follow with 30,000. Napier is to have new offices for the postal and telegraph dcpaitmcnts The buildings arc to be two storeys in Height, and arc described as likely to bo a handsome addition to the architecture of the town.

In the estimates of expenditure submitted to the Provincial Council, we notice an item of £I7OO for the erection of a lunatic asylum. A shocking accident occurred on the Bth inst. to a man of the name of James Power, who was employed by Mr Purvis Russell, and lived at an outstation on that gentleman’s run. It appears that Power rose on the morning and lighted the lire to cook breakfast ; that while standing by the side of the chimney he fell on to the fiames in a fit, and was severely burnt. The poor fellow was removed to Mr Russell’s house, but he is not expected to live. Messrs Mcllardy and Co. arc about to establish meat salting-down works at the slaughter-house for the supply of homewardbound vessels.

NELSON. His Excellency the Governor arrived on the loth, lie was met by his honor the Superintendent, the Executive, and the Mayor. The weather was thoroughly wretched and all the usual loyal demonstrations wanting, except for the ready exhibition of bunting at the Fort. A levee was held on the 10th, and a ball was to be given in the Provincial hall on the 18th. The Provincial Councilcloscdon Sth. Inhis prorogratiou speech his Honor said ; —“ I will lose no time in raising the loan you have authorised for the construction of a wharf and dock, with other works in Nelson harbor, which shall be begun as soon as practicable, as, part of a well considered plan for the permanent improvement of the chief port of the province. 1 will introduce a Hill to the General Assembly to make provision foxputting the province in possession of the funds required to carry out the important public works specified in the schedule assented to in your late session as amended in the present one. and will u e every exertion, with the co-operation of the other

members for the province, to cany the measure through both Houses of Parliament. A Bill shall be prepared for the consideration of the General Assembly to bring into operation the resolutions you have agreed to for amendment and consolidation of the Waste Land Laws.”

From the Little Wonder claim at the Lyell we hear (says the “ Gicy River Argus”) that from the block now at work very rich stone is now being obtained. I saw, says a correspondent, a piece weighing rather less than two ounces, which was takei haphazard from the truck, crushed, and, as far as I could guess, two grains and a half of gold was obtained.

The proposed expenditure of the province for the year ending March 31st, 1875, is £77,074 3s 4d, and'the estimated revenue, £70,950. Speaking of the future of the province, the “ Colonist ” says : —We arc inclined to take a hopeful view of the immediate future of the province in new hands. The loan of £30,000 for harbor -works, the progress of the West Coast railway, and the possible loan of £250,000 should each exert a favorable influence on the trade and finances of the province ; and if our affairs are conducted, as we would fain hope they may be, with energy and discretion, the next Appropriation Act will be a more extensive and important one than that just passed.