NEW ZEALAND.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2219, 6 April 1881, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND.

[PEB PBESS A9BOOIATIOW.I AUCKLAND, April 5. The New Dock.

Messrs Blackett and Hales, together with the chairman, secretary, and engineer of the Harbor Board, and the harbor master, left by the Customs launch this afternoon on a visit to the various proposed dock sites in the harbor, Mr E. Tirard, of the Thames, has offered a site some distance above Stoke’s Point. Grammar School Governors. Colonel Haultain and Messrs J. M. Dargaville and Peacock have been re-elected members of the Board of Governors of the Grammar School. Wise Farmer. Mr J. 0. Firth has engaged Mr Mclvor, chemist, to report on the Matamata estate as to the future course of agricultural operations. NEW PLYMOUTH, April 5. Tne TreasurerAfter Major Atkinson had concluded bis address this evening the following resolution was proposed by Mr W. K. Hulke, “That this meeting, whilst it has every confidence in tbe present Government, cannot but express its regret at the resignation of the Hon. J. Bryce as Native Minister, who during his period of office commanded the respect of both Europeans and Natives, and this meeting, recognising the necessity of direct taxation to supplement a deficit in the revenue, trusts that the Government will soon be able to reduce it, and place such direct taxation as moy hereafter be found necessary on a more equitable basis than that of the present property tax.” An amendment of thanks and confidence was moved by Mr Oliver Samuel, and carried almost unanimously. The speech was practically the same as that a digest of which was telegraphed from Patea. Speaking in answer to Mr Waterhouse, with reference to the contrast of New Zealand’s income with that of England and France, Major Atkinson reasserted the correctness of his own contention, and quoted Mr McCulloch as his authority. GISBORNE, April 5. A Native Public Work. A bridge over Gisborne river, being built by the Natives, was commenced to-day. WELLINGTON, April 5. Improving. Telegrams received from the camp to-day report that Colonel Roberts was slightly better this morning. Death from an Accident.

Mrs Clarke, who met with an accident on board the steamer Botorua, died In the hospital to-day. City Finance. The finance committee having considered the striking of rates, decided to recommend the following to the City Council That the general rate be la in the £1; water rate, 5 per cent, on houses where water is laid on, 2£ per cent, on houses within the prescribed distance, but not taking water, and 2J per cent, on stores ; and that the rate for the payment of interest on the City Improvements Loan be 3d in the £l.” Found. Mr Dudgeon, who was reported as missing, has turned up at Wanganui. A New Beef. Some Dunedin capitalists intend thoroughly testing the the quartz reef near Cross Creek, Wairarapa. A shaft has already been sunk and a drive put in. These gentlemen have also sent a crushing battery up to the ground, and operations will be commenced immedietely. Crime. The crime returns for the Wellington police district show a decrease of 170 arrests on the previous year. This is principally in the more serious crimes and drunkenness. Mr Hutchinson has Spoken. Mr Hutchison addressed a second meeting of his constituents to-night. He expressed approval of the present system of education, but desired that the cost should be reduced. The number of inspectors was far too large, and one Normal School was sufficient. Education Boards should be abolished, and the whole control placed in the hands of Committees, elected on a better basis. He said that the present Government was not likely to effect any reform, as they desired to render the whole system unpopular. A vote of confidence was passed.

TIMARU, April 5. The Weather.

The weather continues unsettled, but the rain is doing a groat deal of good to pastoral lands.

OAMAEU, April 5, Fire.

Two hundred bogs of wheat, belonging to Mr Q-ard, uninsured, wore destroyed by fire at Marewhenua yesterday. Dann’s accommodation house, at Whetstone, was destroyed by fire this morning. The building was insured for £350 in the New Zealand Company’s office, and the furniture for £3OO in the United office. A slack of grain, the property of Mr Miller, was also burnt down yesterday at Marewhenua. It was uninsured. The two grain fires are clearly the work of incendiaries, who are becoming a terror to farmers in this district.

DUNEDIN, April 5, Station Sale.

The Gray Hill Station, South Canterbury, was sold to day to Captain Baldwin for £16,000. The property consists of fortyseven thousand acres leasehold, one thousand acres freehold, and twenty thousand sheep, John Chinaman.

A Queenstown telegram says that the Chinese rush up to the Dart is extending. About fifty men are now engaged, and they state that there is room for 500/ They average from £3 to £4 per man. Magisterial.

It is no secret that a short time ago Mr Mr Watt, B.M. was offered twelve months’ leave of absence, and received an intimation

that it would be desirable for him to retire on hi* pension at the end of that time, but not desiring to be shunted, he declined to accept the proposal of the Government. Although not absolutely decided on, it is understood that Mr Watt will be transferred to Oamaru, Mr W. Parker being about to retire on a pension. Frivolous Interference-

At the City Court to-day two informations under the Employment of Females Act were heard. In one the defendant was fined a nominal penalty. In the other the defendant, a sowing machine agent, employed a girl to do fancy work. Mr McDermott contended that the case did not come within the moaning of the Act. The Bench having a doubt on the point dismissed the case. Sporting. At a meeting of the committee of the Dunedin Jockey Club to-night, letters were read from the Hon. W. Robinson and Mr H. P. Lance relative to the scratching of Natator for the Forbury Handicap. The explanation was considered unsatisfactory, and propositions for disqualification were also made, but the matter being considered of great importance and as only five members were present, it was decided to adjourn consideration till Wednesday week. [PBOM THE OWN OOBBESPONDBNT OP THE PBESB.”] WELLINGTON, April 5. A proclamation, proroguing Parliament to May 17th, was approved at the Executive meeting to day. Another proclamation will be issued early next month, calling Parliament for the despatch of business at the beginning of June. I am positively informed on good authority that Sir George Grey is determined to place himself at the head of the Opposition next session. He will assume the lead, and act as leader. Those who do not choose to follow him can do as they please, but he will lead the Opposition whether the party like it or not, and notwithstanding his formal deposition last session.