TELEGRAPHIC.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1221, 1 February 1878, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC.

CABL E_ NEWS SPECIAL TO THE GLOBE. [from our own correspondent.]

AUSTRALIA.

The Railway Accident. Sydney, February 1. Four deaths were caused by the railway accident, and seventeen trucks were destroyed. The merchandise, consisting of coal, kerosene, and shale burned rapidly. The damage done is estimated at £50,000. A verdict of manslaughter has been returned against the guard. The merchants here are organising a New Guinea expedition. [REUTER'S SPECIAL TELEGRAMS TO PRESS AGENCY.] Sydney, January 31* In the Assembly to-night the Financial Statement was delivered. There was an accumulated surplus at the end of the year of two millions and a half. It is estimated that there will be an excess of revenue over expenditure during 1878 of £150,000, notwithstanding the stoppage of the sale of land. There will be no change in the fiscal policy.

INTERPROYINCIAL.

[PER press agency.] Alexandra, February 1. Considerable amusement was created this morning by Te Whare, a relative of Tawhiao, feeling Mr Sheehan’s humps. Te Whare is nicknamed “Dicky Diamond,” He was exhibited throughout Great Britain, India, and America, by Mr Dickson. In the course of his travels Te Whare acquired a smattering of phrenology. Sir George Grey, with a small party, has just left for the King Country. Wellington, February 1.

Nearly all the officers of the telegraph department have joined in petitioning the Government to grant the increase to salaries voted on the last estimates. The withholding of that increase is considered a great hardship. The amount of Customs revenue collected during January at this port was £11,323, or £6183 over the corresponding month of last year. The inquiry into the alleged frauds in connection with the Corporation waterworks contract has been concluded. All the evidence, documents, &c., bearing on the case, having been laid before Mr Blackett, Government Engineer, he has made his report, which will be laid before the Council this afternoon. The report states that he received every possible assistance from the contractor and City Engineer, in enabling him to report. He finds that the excess on the contract amounts, in round numbers, to £4800; but from this he deducts nearly £2400 for work in the original contract, which was not required to be carried out. The result therefore is that the contractor is awarded about £2400 instead of £2OOO originally claimed. The contractor having expressed his willingness to abide by Mr Blackett’s decision, the matter is now considered settled.