THE PROVINCES.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 117, 15 October 1874, Page 3

THE PROVINCES.

AUCKLAND, One of the principal objects which Dr Hector had in view in visiting this district (says the Coromandel News'), was an examination of the reported coalfields at the Waiau. Unfortunately while at Coromandel Dr Hector was a great part of his time laid up with a severe attack of neuralgia. It is however his intention to return to (he district at an early date. This coal discovery, could it be utilised, would be of great, benefit to the district, not only employing a considerable amount of labour, but bringing a large number of coasting crafts and vessels to our port, for the natural outlet would bo the Coromandel harbor.

The travelling reporter of the Wailtato Times states that the people of Cambridge have great hope of a fork of the great railway line running through their township, and thence by way of Taupo down the East Coast. There can be but little doubt that ultimately there roust be two lines of railway passing through the North Island. On the one hand the rich country now in the possession of the Kimr party would be tappe 1 by a railway passing along the western route, if it should be found possible to push it through the territory of the hostile natives ; and a further immense advantage would be gained by the pacificatory influence it would exercise over the turbulent Hauhans. But, on the other hand, it will be impossible to ignore the fact that it is absolutely necessary to connect the rich and fertile country of Hawke’s Bay and the southern portions of this province with the markets of the North. I therefore cannot but think that Cambridge will one day become a largo and important township, and that the early pioneers of the settlement will be amply repaid for their faith in the district. WELLINGTON. The trade of Wellington, says the New Zealand Times, is increasing very satisfactorily, if the Customs returns are to be accepted as evidence. The revenue from that source in the quarter ending with September was £35.451 19s 4d, as compared with £22.551 14s 9d in the corresponding quarter of 1873. So large an increase as £12,9C0 could not possibly have been expected. The New Zealand Times gives the following account of the seizure of an illicit still near Palmerston —As Messrs Mitchell and Palmerston, surveyors, and Mr J. M. Collier, of Eoxton, were in the bush about two miles in the Eangitikei direction, they came upon

an illicit still in full working order. There were two men employed at the place, and they at once made away into the bush. The gentlemen mentioned broke the head of the boiler, brought away a sample of the spirits, a portion of the worm and still-head, and they cutup the remaining portion of the still, and spilled the greatest portion of the spirits on hand. Constable Donnelly proceeded to the spot on the 27th ult, accompanied by Messrs Mitchell and Palmerston, and they found the place in the same state as it had been left. They removed the boiler head, and cut the worm into small portions. Two casks, a vat, and a trough could not bo removed, but they were left empty. The two men who absconded were believed to be Jesseys, of Oroua, and a person named McDonnell.

The Wellington correspondent of the Daily Times writes In a former letter, I gave the particulars of the suspension of Mr E. Brandon, chief clerk and accountant of the Stamp Office, for alleged irregularities. The Commission appointed to investigate the matter concluded their enquiry nearly three weeks ago, and sent in their report; but nothing more has been heard of the matter, and the unfortunate officer is still suspended, although it is known (of course, not officially) that the report of the Commissioners entirely exonerated him from the charges made. The difficulty and delay is said to be occasioned by the fact that before Mr Yogel left be was so convinced of the misconduct of the officer, and that the result of the enquiry would justify dismissal, that he promised the appointment to some one else. The other ministers are now in a fix, as they have no grounds for removing Mr Brandon, and yet are afraid to disregard Mr Vogel’s wishes and promises. Altogether the case is a singular one, and, if fully investigated, would show how completely a disorganised and unsatisfactory state the Civil Service of the Colony is in. Amongst its higher members there is a good deal of dissatisfaction now at Mr Kennaway’s appointment as secretary to the Agent-General, They think very justly, that if it was necessary to send Dr Featherston a secretary from the Colony, the appointment might have been given in the service instead of to such a complete outsider as Mr Kennaway. OTAGO. We hear (says the Daily Times') that an action for libel will shortly come before the Supreme Court, in which a member of the Provincial Government will be the plaintiff, and a member of the Provincial Council the defendant.

We (Chitha Leader') were shown the other day a magpie’s nest with a brood of young ones, watched over by the parent birds, in Mr Anderson’s bush, Inch-Clutha. A man, who is engagedin erecting a fence near to the tree, informed us that he was frequently driven from his work by the birds swooping down upon him. While the Acclimatisation Society, therefore, have supplied Tokomairiro with larks, the Clutha district will shortly have a plentiful supply of magpies. We hear (says the Daily Times) that the new issue of shares in the New Zealand Insurance Company is likely to be freely subscribed for here. The applicants, we are told, represent all classes in the community. On Saturday, a Maori came from Waikouaiti expressly to apply for some shares, stating that the prospectus had been r ad over to him, and he considered that he could not invest his spare cash more profitably. A large goods shed and store has, says the Guardian, just been commenced by Mr R. Bauchop, carpenter and builder, at Port Chalmers, for the New Zealand Mercantile, Loan, and Shipping Company. Its position is to be between Beach street and the new pier, on the ground now being reclaimed in front of Messrs Easton and M - Gregor’s iron works. It will be 200 ft long and 4oft wide with walls 21ft high. The foundation will be of rubble work, on the top of which will be laid a coat of asphalte; and on large Port Chalmers bluestone blocks, 2ft by Ift Bin, the superstructure will rest. The wall-plates are to be of Bin by Bin, on Sin by Sin, bearing pieces, firmly bolted down on to the base course. The frame is of strong uprights Sin by Gin, braced with diagonal braces. The building will have seven doors on the side next the pier, with a platform inside 14ft in width. There will also be a door in each end, and three in the side facing Beach street. All the doors are to be hung on wheels from the upper side. The main floor will be laid with asphalte, on the most improved principle, and will be open from end to end. About'lOft from the floor the building will be bound together by transverse beams of Sin by 14in. Light will be admitted by side windows, by lantern lights, and louvre windows in the ridge of the building. The work, which will cost about £3OOO, is expected to be finished and ready for use during the present wool season. Its position will render it one of the most convenient and useful buildings in the place. Such a storehouse has long been required.