LAST NIGHT'S TELEGRAMS

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1560, 18 February 1879, Page 3

LAST NIGHT'S TELEGRAMS

[BY SUBMARINE CABLE.]

AUSTRALIA. [PBB PBBBB AGSNO7.] Mblsboubnb, February 17. Endeavors are being made to secure the appointment of Riociotti Garibaldi to the Consul-Generalship of Italy in Victoria, vacant by the death of Signor Marinucci. Lord Harris’ team arrived here to-day from Sydney. They play a return match against Victoria on Friday next and the following days. Adelaide, February 17. Arrived—Garonne, from London, with 415 passengers. SEW ZEALAND. [PBB PBBSS AOBNOY.] Auckland February 17. Yesterday a yacht with Dr. Haines, W. Flood, JR. K Is.acs and two others left JMotnihi for Auckland. They encountered a heavy squall and ran for Brown’s Island for shelter, where a Fijian in the yacht saw a man struggling in the water. The yacht picked him up. tie could only utter the words “My comrades.” Two heads were seen some distance off above the crests of the waves. The yacht headed for them, but, owing to a squall and- the tide could not get near them. Dr. Haines pluckily took to a small dingy, fastened to the men with lines, and towed them to the yacht. The names of the men saved were—Slaton, Graves, and Darrell.

A fire at Patton’s farm, Papatoitoi, destroyed levers! stacks of wheat, of the value of six or seven hundred pounds. It is supposed to have been caused by a spark from a threshing machine which was working at the time. All efforts to extinguish the fire failed. The stacks were intrared for .6400. Another boat accident occurred yesterday. Four young men lef in a boat for Lucas Creek. The boat was capsized in a squall, but they managed to swim ashore. The Chief Paul is arranging for a large meeting at Orakei on the 25th, in anticipation of the meeting between Sir G. Grey and the T£ing, which will be held at Kopua about Match 25th. Wellington, February 17. From a private letter to the “ Chronicle,” it appears that Mr R. J. Creighton was offered the editorship of the ‘‘ New Zealand Herald,” but has declined the appointment. Mr Creighton will shortly visit New Zealand, but merely on a visit.

At a meeting of creditors in the estate of J. Henderson, 0.8., the assets were put down at £53,158, and the liabilities at .£18,486. The assets include £25,000 due by .1. Brogden and Sons, contingent on payment by the New Zea land Government of contract moneys for the construction of railways ; Oamarn Corporation, £15,000; Baron and Mant, bankers, Brazil, £2000; land in New Brunswick, £SOO. The meeting adjourned for ten days. i he Governor embarked on the Eingarooma, under a guard of honor, shortly after three o’clock. The wharf was crowded Three hearty cheers were given for him and Lady Normanby. The Governor, on reaching the deck, thanked the citizens, and heartily wished them prosperity and happiness. A salute of seventeen guns was fired from the reclaimed land.

Westport, February 17.

A six-roomed house, seven miles up the Buller road, was burnt down on Saturday nig'.t. The owner, Mr Mindon, states he had a narrow escape, and is ignorant of the origin of the fire, which he thinks commenced in the kitchen chimney. The insurance on the building was £200; furniture, £IOO, in the Victoria office. The estimated loss is £l5O.

[from our own correspondents.] Wellington, February 17. The “ Post ” is informed authoritatively that land to the total area of nearly half a million acres has been acquired by the Government during the last month on the west coast of the North Island. The purchase is of especial value from the very excellent quality of the land, which is described as being of the finest class for agricultural purposes, and still more from its position, it being situated along the Wellington. Taranaki, and Auckland main line of railway, chiefly to the northward of Wanganui. 'J his will tend materially to facilitate the extension of the railway so soon as a favorable occasion arrives.

The agitation respecting the impurity of water supply still continues, The “ Post ” to-night remarks that, although no fewer than seventy deaths occurred in Wellington la-t month, the largest number on record, it must not be supposed that this heavy death rate is at all decreasing, for no fewer than thirty deaths have taken place during the first half of the present month, a larger proper donate number even than last month, thus showing the fatal influence still to be in full operation. The accounts which have appeared in the Wellington papers of the condition of the water in our reservoirs indicate an amply sufficient cause for this heavy mortality, by far the greater number of deaths being from diarrhoea and dysentery. The cleaning of the distributing basin was finished late on Saturday afternoon, and the water from the reservoir was allowed to run. This appeared to be of a horribly filthy nature, and conclusively proved that some small portio- of the impurities might come from tee distributing basin. The main reservoir was chiefly to blame. The water will never be wholesome until filtering beds are erected. So black was that supplied through the mains yesterday morning, that a number of gentlemen went without their customary bath. Timaru, February 17. Hon. Mr Ballance arrived here from amani by first train this morning, and stayed till the express left. During the time he spent hero he was conducted to the public school, hospital, gaol, harbor works, and generally round the town, and expressed himself agreeably surprised at the size of the place and hanasome buildings everywhere to be seen. Mr Stout also passed through by the express train, but did not leave the platform. [Press Special Wire.] Auckland, February 18. A letter from the Duke of York Group to the “Fiji Times” says that the German Consul at Samoa and the captain of the Ariadne bought from the natives two harbors in that group for a German coaling station. They investigated some claims against natives for burning bouses, but only inflicted a warning on the natives against repeating the offence. Professors Ulrich and Brown, with Dr Hector, p>id a visit to to the Thames, and inspected the mines and sulphur springs. In reply to the telegram sent to Lord Harris by the Auckland Cricket Club, sympathising with him on the recent outrage, Mr Philaon, secretary, to-day received the following reply:— “ Many thanks for kind telegram. Eegret inability to play at Auckland—Lord Harris, Melbourne.”

At a meeting of tie commissioners on higher education to-dny, Mr Lusk gave evidence as one of the examiners of the Auckland College and Commissioner Schools, Archdeacon Maunsell and the Rev. H. Edgar were also examined. Great anxiety is felt for the safety of a Bank clerk who has not been seen for a fortnight. His manner lately was peculiar. No monetary troubles are known. Some weeks ago when Coombes drowned himself in a well, the missing man said, “ That was a sensible way of getting rid of trouble.”

Napier, February 17. Karaitiana continues to get worse. The chiefs of his hapu, in accordance with Native custom, have requested his medical attendants to give them sufficient warning so that he may be removed from town to breath his last at Pakowhaia. Mr Jordon, of the Colonial Bank, who is under orders to proceed to Christchurch, was banqnetted by a large number of friends on Saturday night. A fire broke at Wairoa early this morning. The following places were burnt Parke’s, saddler; Flint’s store; Jonnan's, tailor; and Davis’, builder. In addition to this destruction, a small store, belonging to Mr Gilligan, had to be pulled down to save Flint’s Hotel. Insurances had been effected on these buildings and contents in the New Zealand office to the amount of i!540, but further risks have been taken by the National. A petition is being drafted for signature praying the Government to cancel the appointment of their nominees to the Harbor Board. Wellington, February 17.

The Annual District Council of the Independent Order of Rechabites opened this morning, A. Levy, D.C.K., in the chair. The business transacted was principally of a formal character. The reports of special committees were read and adopted. The meeting adjourned at noon till 9 a.m. to-morrow. A conversazione in connection with the order will be held this evening. In consequence of the arrears which have accumulated of cases in the Native Lands Court, it has been decided to make a large increase in the number of judges of the Land Court, Several fresh appointments will be made shortly.

The brig Jane was formally attached by the Marshal or the Vice-Admiralty this afternoon, in consequence of an execution out against the owners.

Mr Br ce, lift f*r Aiickhuu!, thi-. afternoon, to inquire into the alleged roil stuffing at the B«;. Of Mauds.

Ah at t&e far well levee on Saturday, Sir G. Grey was conspicuous by his absence, so also this afternoon, when Ministers and other high officials, the Mayor and citizens of Wellington were present on the wharf to wish bis Excel lency *nd Lady N ormanby good speed on their embarking aboard the Ringarooma for Melbourne. It is understood that no leave-taking whatever has passed between the Governor and the Premier on tne occasion of the former leaving the colony. In Cousens’ land case, which was heard a short time ago, and in which the Magistrate reserved judgment, the loading facts were A foreigner bought at auction a piece of land at Peatherston, which he subsequently placed in the hands of a commission agent to sell. The agent recommended that it should be dispo ed of by art union. He, in course of cross-examina-tion, admitted that he proposed to the owner that they should so work the art union as to draw all the prizes between themselves. The agent was to receive two and a half per cent, and travelling expenses. He was, however, unable to sell any of the tick- ts where the land was known, it being nothing but a mass of stones, though in other places he managed to sell some tickets. The owner of the land subsequently took the matter out of the agent’s hands, and advertised that he had clone so. Upon this the agent sued the owner for .825. The Magistrate to-day gave judgment for plaintiff for .£2, maintaining that the English law relating to lotteries is in force in New Zealand, and consequently that all contracts relating to them are absolutely void. Blenheim, February 17. George McDonald, a half-caste, was charged|at the R.M. Court to day by the secretary of the Acclimatisation Society with killing wild ducks out of season. It was proved that he hud dead ducks in his possession. The defendant pleaded guilty, and was fined 5s and 7s costs, with a caution not to offe-.d again, otherwise a heavier penalty would be inflicted. Balclutha, February 17.

A gang of men, with an engine and a number of trucks commenced this afternoon to fill the holes in the streets caused by the recent floods. Dunedin, February 17.

Mr Bright, the free-thought lecturer, delivered his farewell address in the Princess Theatre last night. The chair was occupied by the AttorneyGeaenil, who, after mentioning the fact that he occupi d a similar position on the occasion of Mr bright s fi et public appearance in Dunedin, remarked that he considered it to be the duty of everyone to hear the free expression of opinion in our midst, and to lat all know the views we held ; for which reasons he took the chair. At the close of the addn ss Mr Stout made a presentation pf a purse of over 90 sovereigns to Mr Bright, and in doing so said that the gift had been subscribed by persons who had profited by Mr Bright’s lectures during the past two years or so. Anyone who ventured to address the people on religious and philosophical subjects, untrammelled by creeds, must always expect to meet with some amount of persecution. He was glad however, that a spirit of tolerance existed in this community, and that Mr Bright’s lectures had been attended with such a marked success He hope! that that would not be the last Freethonght lecture Mr Bright would deliver in Dunedin.

The find of gold on the flat adjoining Vinegar Hill, St. Bathan’s, is apparently of a genuine character, as a considerable area of ground has been pegged off, and a number of leases applied for. The prospects obtained have been of a most satisfactory character, and the " Mount Ida Chronicle” correspondent telegraphed on Friday 1 : —“ Quite rush took place yesterday, and a large area of ground has been pegged out ” A woman named Saul, living at Hawea Plat, committed suicide on Sunday by taking poison. It appears that she and her husband had been living on bad terms for some time. It a meeting of the reception committee tonight it was resolved to receive the Governor at the main station, and conduct him to the Volunteer Hall, where an address will be presented. He will be received by a guard of honor at the station, and by another at the hall. Invebcargill, February 17.

A public meeting was held this evening, th« Mayor in the chair, at which it was resolved to give the Governor a suitable reception, it was resolved to ask the Athemeum commiltee for the use of the large reading r ;om for the p .r pose of a levee, and the presenting of an address. It was resolved to ask the citizens to observe Thursday afternoon as a half holiday, and that the Mayor make arrangements for serving a lunch for his Excellency on his arrival. Arrangements are to be made with the railway authorities to enable any citizens who might choose to proceed to the Bluff to receive his Excellency, The Garrison band wi l be in attendance. A committee was appointed to give effect to the resolutions. The following are tbe Southland members of the New Zealand Rifle Association—Major Mackorie, Captains Cuthbertson, Harvey, Heywood (life member), Lieutenants Scandrett, Feldwick, Kingswell, Dawson, Volunteer Cuff and the late Major-Commandant of the District, J. E. Hannah. Fifteen guineas Lave been subscribed towards the Nelson meeting, at which there will be three representatives for the Invercargill Volunteers and two for those of Riverton.