NEW ZEALAND.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1901, 29 March 1880, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND.

NAPIER, March 29. The Weather and Bar. The bar it still very bad. The outward English mail was left behind, as the Rotorua could not be communicate! with. Great indignation is expressed, as it is generally thought that the life-boat could have gone out if it had started at the proper time. Communication with moat of the country districts is restored, though coaches are unable to run through the seventy-mile bush. Mr Tanner lost 15C0 sheep and Colonel Whitmore 200 by the floods. HAWERA, March 29. The Native Commission—lmportant Intelligence.

The Commissioners had a very satisfactory interview with Titokowaru, Kokeri, and other important chiefs yesterday. They regard the Native difficulty as now at an end, although things were very gloomy when they drat came. Cricket. DUNEDIN, March 29. The Dunedin club have beaten the Christchurch Wanderers by nine wickets. Criminal Sessions. The criminal calendar consists of eighteen cases, including two cases of cutting and wounding, one horse stealing, and five highway robbery cases, one manslaughter case, and one wilful murder case. Easter Monday. The weather is dull and threatening. The day is generally observed as a holiday. WELLINGTON, March 27. Bishop Redwood. Bishop Redwood, who leaves by the San Erancisco steamer, en route for Rome, was today presented with a highly complimentary address from the Catholics of Wellington, in replying to which he expressed his hope of a speedy return with an additional number of priests for the diocese. A New Scheme. A meeting has been called by the Mayor, at the request of a number of working men, to consider a scheme for constructing the West. Coast railway on the land settlement plan. The following resolutions will bo proposed : —“ (1.) That the Government survey settlements along the line of rails as near as possible ten miles apart,the settlements to bo sub-divided into twenty-five acre sections, more or leas, according to soil, Ac., to be paid for by balance of wages, or failing that to run ten years before the final payment is demanded.” (2.) “That the land be fixed at £2 per acre.” (3.) “That the rale of wages be fixed at 6s, 7s and 8s per day.” (4.) “ That the. Government provide rations at Is 3d per head, each man to decide whether he will accept a full ration for each member of his family or not.” (5.) “ That in addition to rations each man receive 10s per week.” (5) “That any ten or twelve men shall have the option of selecting sections contiguous one to the other.” The Druids. The Governor has promised to attend the Druids’ fete at the Hutt on Monday. Aquatic, There ia a prospect of the Wellington oarsmen taking up the challenge of Messrs White Brothers, of Mercury Bay, Auckland, Mr Batkin, on behalf of the Wellington men, has written to the Nelson Rowing Club, asking them, in the event of the challenge being accepted, to lend their Swaddle and Winship boat for the race. Magnificent MeteorA telegram received from Taupo to-day says that a magnificent meteor was seen at 9 o’clock last night, which exploded in the B.W. quarter with a report like heavy artillery. HAWERA, March 27. Native Affairs. No political significance is attached to the impounding of Mr Stevenson’s horses. The animals strayed, and the Maoris found them. Everything is quiet, and apparently satisfactory. The camp is likely to bo shifted next week. Ij?eoii otrs owx coesespondest.] WELLINGTON, March 27. Ministerial-

The Premier and Native Minister found a good deal of work awaiting them on their return to town on Thursday, after an absence which, owing to the floods, was longer than had been anticipated. They had been travelling all night by coach through a flooded country, and consequently the first thing they did on their arrival here in the morning was to go to bed. They were up again in tho afternoon, however, to consult with their colleagues on various matters. A Cabinet has since been held, at which it is

understood that the interim report of tho If a tire Commissioners was considered. It it not, however, considered advisable that the exact details of the recommendations of the commissioners should be made known until members have fully made up their minds ss to the course they will take in the matter. It is probable that the Cabinet will soon be busily occupied for some time in settling various matters of policy, and preparing for the ensuing session. The West Coast difficulty also calls for careful and frequent consideration, although hitherto, I believe, no complication calling for any special anxiety has arisen. The Native Minister. A report was circulated by the “ Times ’’ this morning that the Native Minister “ was still very unwell.” On inquiry however I find that Mr Bryce had a slight attack of asthma (a complaint to which he is subject) on his return to Wellington, induced no donbt by the exposure and discomfort of the journey down. He is however all right now, and able to devote himself to his duties with his usual earnestness.