NEW ZEALAND.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1622, 2 May 1879, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND.

[FEO3I OtTE OWN COEBKBPONT)ENT.] TtMARTT, Mayl. The monthly meeting of the Harbor Board was held to-day, and a most exciting discussion took place over the quest ion of procuring a steam launch or tug. Mr Evans, a grain merchant, and four others succeeded in carrying a resolution to tho effect that it was necessary to procure one. Immediately on tho resolution being carried, Messrs Bcswick and Hall left the room, after lodging a protest againßt the legality of using any part of the funds to carry out any work but the breakwater. An adjournment then took place, and when the Board met again all the members but one who were present were those who voted for launch. Mr Evans immeI mlateh)' moved f>. resolution appointing a subj committee to consider the siasiof *j«r«:?nHy. ( leaving out the two principal objectors. Mr Acton, howover", strongly protested against such a side wind resolution being carried, and eventually Mr Evans put on Messrs Beswick and Hall s names. Immediately after these two gentlemen had left the Board at the time of adjournment, they went to, the leading legal firms and asked for art opinion whether funds voted for the breakwater could be spent on any other purpose, and wore advised "No." The *act is that all practical inen strongly condemn a steam launch being employed here to tow off the surf boats, as when loaded they can bo hauled by line as fast as safety will allow. At the same time it is utterly impossible to haul a steam launch Up the beach, and until the breakwater provides shelter for such a vessel, it is useless to procure one. The public here are getting utterly disgusted, as they see that the construction of the harbor works are to bo a secondary matter. It is probable a public meeting will be held. [Press Special Wire.] ( AUCKLAND, May 1. The town clerk is engaged in preparing suggested amendments in the Munioipal Corporations Act, the Rating Act, and kindred measures. At the opening of Parliament they will be laid before the House for consideration. The City Council is preparing for tho reception of the Governor. The Waste Lands Board refused Mr Vesey Stewart's application for another block of land for a third special settlement. In the letter urging his request he showed that £24,000 worth of improvements had boen carried out at Katikati by the settlers introduced by him on a block of land which three years ago was barren fern. The City Council rejected a motion for the reduction of the general rate from Is. The electoral roll revision committee, formed to purge the rolls, have lodged 1200 objections to persons improperly on City West, Newton, Parnell, Ouehunga, Eden and Waitemate rolls. NEW PLYMOUTH, May 1. Judge Gillie* arrived to-day. The Supreme Court will sit on Monday. Thero are two criminal and one civil cases. The Harbor Board has received intimation from London that it must forward a fresh set of debentures, as those sent are invalidated by the Harbor Act of 1878. The Board will consider the matter at a special meeting on Saturday. BLENHEIM, May 1. At the District Court to-day there was only one case, James Roberts, charged with stealing at the Marlboro' Hotel, Blenheim, on the 11th inst., a purse, containing £8 18s. Prisoner was acquitted, and the Court rose. WELLINGTON, May 1. The following accountants in bankruptcy have been appointed and gazetted:—Wm. Richardson Boyd, Ashburton, and George Allen of Ashburton. Frank Guinness, R.M., is gazetted R.M. for the districts of Ashburton and Geraldine, with a jurisdiction to £IOO from Ist prox,, vice A. Le G. Campbell, transferred. Authority to frank has been given to the railway accountant, Ohristchurch. The " Chronicle," commenting on the necessity for more care being exercised in the examination of surveyors before granting licenses, Bays :—" It is with satisfaction we learn that it is intended to establish a chair in the New Zealand University for instruction in mining, engineering, and surveys, and that certificates of competency will be granted by that body in those branches of science." Mr Everess, whose resignation as head master of Mount Cook school was accepted, advertises that he will in July next open a day school, "In which great prominence will be given to Bible reading." No fees to be charged, and the Bchool will be entirely supported by voluntary contributions. H. P. Keals, who attempted suicide, is rapidly recovering. It is reported that the unsuccessful attempts to float the Hydrabad have cost already something like £IO,OOO, and that the vessel will shortly be sold by the underwriters. DUNEDIN, May 1. A brewer's collector, who is well known in sporting circles, is wanted by the police on a charge of embezzlement. The defaulter represented a firm carrying on operations near the Water of Leith, and until a year since filled an important office in connection with a public society. His defalcations are said to be considerable, but it is understood that the firm are covered by a Guarantee Society. The business done at the immigration depot, Caversham, during the last fourteen days is as follows :—Received per vessels Stad Haarlem and Westland, 94 males, 130 females, and 49 children j total, 273; left the depot to take situations, forwarded to their friends, or otherwise located, 77 males, 115 females, and 20 children; total, 221. There therefore remain in the depot—l 7 males, 15 females, and 20 children. In the Police Court to-day, the information against Alfred St. George Hammersley, charged on the complaint of William Croker, with having in the Arcade, on 15th ult., with divers other idle persons, to the number of ten and more, riotously assembled and gathered together to disturb the public peace, and with unlawfully making a great noise and disturbance, and with unlawfully assaulting William Croker, was dismissed, neither complainant or defendant putting in an appearance. The premises of Mr Aikman Gray, of Broad Bay, were burned down on Tuesday evening. The house and furniture were insured in the National office for £7OO. The fire waß caused by some clothing having caught fire. Twenty-seven school committees in Otago have passed resolutions in favor of Bible reading in State Schools.