TELEGRAPHIC.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1519, 30 December 1878, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC.

NEW ZEALAND TELEGRAMS. [from our own correspondent. I Timaru. December 30. All communication south of the Rangitata is now stopped. ALelegram received this morning from Mr Lowe, the engineer, states that neither passengers nor mails would on any pretence be allowed to cross the bridge. A passenger just arrived fro n the south of Rangitata states that two of the piers have gone, the rails are bent into all manner of shapes, the sleepers are lying at an angle of 45dog. The river is very high aad the bridge shaking very much. The holiday passengers are disgusted, as there is no boat here to bring them on to Christehurch. [pee peess agency.] Wellington December 30. A circular issued by the Secretary to the Executive Committee of the New Zealand Rifle Association states the rough draft of programme for the Nelson meeting. It comprises eight matches for volunteers, only four for rifles and four for carbines, in these matches the firing for the cha pion belt will be taken. For any members there are ten matches, two of which are for carbines and two for small bores, the latter being up to 1000 yards There is also a consolation uiat-di. Between ,£9OO _ .£IOOO will be give i in money prizes at the meeting. Crons in Waiarapa are reported to be looking splendid. The saw-millers in Wairarapa complain of want of railway trucks. Hankin's, the well known journalist, has purchased the " Waiarapa Guardian." M.M.S. Sappho left this morning for home, having been detained here longer than expected owing to the rough weather preventing the coal hulk getting alongside. 'I he criminal sittings of the Supreme Court commence next Monday. There are seven cases, two for robbery from dwelling-house, two of attempted suicide, one each arson, forgery, and indecent assault. Arthur Sweet gave himself up to the police on Saturday night, saying be had forged a cheque, and if not locked up would commit suicide. He was locked up on suspicion of lunacy, but subsequently a man named Wellam, with whom he had boarded, charged liim with forging a cheque for Jj'3 10s. He was remanded until this morning on the latter charge. The charge of lunacy was withdrawn. The "Chronicle" is informed on very good authority that the Hon. Major Richmond has been appointed Speaker of the Legislative Council, and Sir William Fitzherbert will retain the Speakership of the Lower House. Blenheim, December 30. William Smith, a laborer working at Tua Mcrina, was found drowned in a creek yest rday. He bid been missing for some days, and had been drinking. He is supposed to have accidentally fallen into the stream. Nelson, December 30. The navvies on the Port Railway extension have struck this morning for 9s a day. Port Chalmers, December 30. Arrived—The barque Clyde, from Newcastle Sailed—The barque Wellington and brig Status, for Kaipara.