THE PROVINCES.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 142, 16 November 1874, Page 4

THE PROVINCES.

AUCKLAND. The Auckland Whaling Company’s barque Albion is, says the Herald , lying at anchor in the harbor, after a four months’ cruise, with a take of about 120 barrels of oil. Her last cruise, like its preceding ones, has not been profitable to the shareholders. Captain Rose, who arrived with the Coronet yesterday, reports having passed through several schools of whales outside the harbor. _ He enquired the reason of the whaler remaining in harbor. On being told that she was short in her crew, Captain Hose at once offered to lend her a few men, as he considered that with the whales so near the port it was a shame not to make a venture. It might be worth the consideration of the Whaling Company to act on Captain Rose’s information and offer, and start the Albion off in search of the fish. The store belonginging to Mr T, Kavenagh at Patumahoe was observed, says the Herald of the 7th, to be in flames at about four o’clock on Sunday morning, and before any assistance could be given the building and contents were completely destroyed. Mr Kavenagh was insured for £l5O, but his loss is said to be beyond that amount. At present the origin of the fire cannot be discovered, and much anxiety is expressed at these repeated damages in the neighbourhood. Mr Kavenagh’s brother’s flax mill was destroyed by fire not long since, and also Mr Crispe’s flax store, with £157 worth of flax, grain, &c, &c. Yesterday, says the Herald\ol the 7th, we inspected the very handsome tea-service and claret jugs, presented last evening to G, M, O’Eorke, Esq, from his Onehunga constituents, as a mark of personal esteem. The service, &c, is of solid silver, the various pieces being richly ornamented after Etruscan and Egyptian patterns, with chased and engraved figures. The groups represented consist of warriors in chariots and on foot, returning from a victorious campaign, bearing trophies of war with them. The claret jugs bear the following inscription, which is tastefully engraved.—‘‘Presented io George Maurice O’Korke, Esq, member of the General Assembly and Provincial Council, from his Onehunga constituents, as a mark of their esteem.’, The service is a beautiful specimen of the silversmith’s art, and was designed and executed at the atelier of Mr H. Kohn, jeweller, Queen street. WELLINGTON, Six horses, says the New Zealand Times, have accepted for the Wellington Cup, the other eight paying forfeit. Surprise has been expressed that Templeton does not go for this handsome stake, many good judges thinking he was more favored by the handicappers than .Mr 0. Brien’s Tambourini. The absence of this good horse, however, will make “ Tam” a hot favorite at starting. Notwithstanding his top weight, his excellent performances at Canterbury will fully justify every confidence, should he be all right on the day ; especially should his old jock, Bob Ray, steer him in the race. The fact that four of the colts who will have to run for the Wellington Derby on the following day have accepted, and are likely to come to the post, will make this year’s Cup a most interesting event.

The traffic returns on the Hutt Railway exhibit, says the Post, a steady increase both in passengers and freight. Last month 9508 persons passed over the line, a number nearly equal to that of the whole population of the city. The traffic on this line is now so great that the right of exhibiting advertisements at the stations is likely to prove a valuable one There is no doubt that great publicity will be secured for all advertisements so exhibited, and we believe the contractor, Mr James Smith, has already received numerous applications for space. The Star of India, says the Post, has had a remarkably fine, although rather long, passage of 104 days. She brings 374 immigrants, who are reported in excellent health. Five deaths occurred during the passage, two being those of a father and child, the former committing suicide by jumping overboard with the child in his arms. OTAGO. The General Government have, we hear, says the Daily Times, made an offer to the University authorities to buy the present University building, should there be an intention to sell. The University authorities will probably dispose of the building. We,- Daily Times, understand that the negotiations between the Otago University Council and the Provincial Government, that have been going on with a view to fixing a permanent site for the University building, are likely to result in the granting of the old Botanical Gardens and several acres adjoining as a site. If this be arranged, a large and substantial building, which will be one of the chief architectural ornaments of the city, will be erected. Residences for the professors will also be built on the ground. It is intended also that the whole area not covered by buildings shall be tastefully la>d out as gardens Should this be done, th° locality will become one of the most attractive spots in the city . The Waitaki bridge (says the Druce Herald ) is progressing steadily, owing to the fine season experienced for the purpose of cylinder sinking. The whole of the cylindersare now down, and the covering work is being proceeded with with the utmost expedition. In a very short time we may expect to take the iron horse from Oamaru to Waimate.

The work of reclamation alongside the Port. Chalmers new pier is, says the Guardian, progressing rapidly. A junction has been effected at the railway station up to the full level. The foundation of the new store will soon be filled, and the erection of the building commenced. Hails will be laid shortly along the jetty, and the pier brought into active operation, as the dredge has done a great deal towards deepening the water outside; ships, therefore, will be able to load and discharge there.