NEW ZEALAND.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2172, 10 February 1881, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND.

[PRB FBBSB ASSOCIATION. J GRAHAMSTOWN, February 10. Strange Death. At an inquest on Mr John Walker, a civil engineer, held this morning before Mr Brasioy, coroner, the following was the verdict:—" That deceased died from blood poisoning caused by the bite of a spider." NEW PLYMOUTH, February 8. Fatality at a Picnic. At the Wesleyan Sunday School picnic yesterday afternoon a fatal accident happened to a number of children swinging on branches of a fallen trunk of a tree, which was resting on its branches, when a branoh broke, causing the trunk of the tree to roll over. A little boy, Daroy Harold Jackson, son of J. W. Jaokson, about six years old, was passing when the trunk rolled over and crashed him to death. A little girl named Woodcock was also knocked down by the branches and severely hurt her leg, which was broken. A boy named Malcolm Clen had his thigh broken. The tree] was 30ft in length and 7ft in diameter. An inquest is now being held WELLINGTON, February 10. Waiararapa Races. On the first day about 500 people were on the course. It was beautiful weather, and the oourse was in fine condition. Produce Stakes—Whitan, 1; Treasurer, 2 ; Barbara, 3. This was a grand race, and was won on the post. Eandwick is scratched for the Wairarapa Stakes. The raoe, therefore, will result in a walk-over for Libeller. Champagne Stakes—Eilmora, 1; Nanakia, 2 { Gentle Annie, 3. DUNEDIN, February 10. Fire. A four-roomed house at Lookout Point was burned down. It belonged to Robert Spratt, and was insured in the Hamburg and Magdeburg for £125. Disqnalificationt The Cricket Association have disqualified, for twelve months, W. J. Moore, for his eonduot in the Australian matoh. AUCKLAND, Februaty 8, Protection to Native Industry. It is reported that the Waikato Coal Com*

pany (Limited) is about closing its mine, in consequence of the uncertainty as to the rate* of carriage and terminal charge* that the Government propose levying. This company paid nearly £2400 for railway carriage on ooals for the last six months. NAPIER, February 9. The Eleven. The Australian cricketers play here on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, next week. Reward of Valour. The Royal Humane Society's medal waa publicly presented to-nigbt to four gentlemen who attempted to save the life of the son of the Mayor last summer. WELLINGTON, February 9. Rifle Association. A large number of entries have been received for the Rifle Association'* meeting. Entries close on Saturday. Recalcitrant Seamen. The seamen from the steamer Huia, who went out on strike, were charged at the Resident Magistrate's Court to-day with refusing duty, and sentenced to three hours' imprisonment. Subscription. A subscription has been started in aid of the Whittington family, who are heavy losers by the late lamentable fire. DUNEDIN, February 9. Our 'Minister. The Hon. T. Dick left for Wellington by the Rotomabana this afternoon. The Bar and the Bench. The members of the Of ago Bar intend to entertain Mr Justice Williams at dinner on Tuesday, prior to his departure for England. Mr Oliver. The Minister for Public Works will probably, before returning to Wellington, visit the works on the Central Otago line, and in* speot portions of the route. Military. The Artillery send three, North Dunedin seven, City Guards two, Port Naval* two,, Dunedin Navals two, and Oamaru two to tho Nelson R.fle Meeting. [FBOSI THE |OW» OOEKESPOKDKKT OF TKB " rBBSS."J WELLINGTON, February 9. I hear that there are ground* for expecting that the proceeds of the property tax will be considerably better than was supposed likely after the results of the assessment were asoertained. Instead of being some fifty thousand short, as feared, it is now hoped that the deficiency will not be more than twenty-five or thirty thousand. In that case the receipt* from the tax would be two hundred and seventy or two hundred and seventy-five thousand, exclusive of all land tax arrears. Unfortunately however, as the second instalment of the tax is due on March 22nd, cr eight days before the expiration of the financial year, it is not likely that all will be got in soon enough to count in this year's balance sheet. This may make some difference in the above calculations. The Customs and Railways continue to show a marked and steady improvement, and the revenue generally it lookiog up well. Mr Rolleston left Wellington by eoach thus morning for Wanganui on his way to the West Coast. Mr McKerrow, Surveyor--General, attends him. His absence from. Wellington will probably extend over a week or ten days. Colonel Reader also leaves Wellington for the West Coast in a day or two, and will meet Mr Rolleston at the Fungarehu camp. I understand that Mr Rolleston will, also have an interview with Mr Bryoe on his way to the Waimate Plains, and will confer with him on certain matters connected with the department over which Mr Bryce recently presided. Nothing further is yet settled regarding th* Governor's tour in the South Island.