NEW ZEALAND.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2344, 7 October 1881, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND.

[PEIJ FBEBB ASSOCIATION.] AUCKLAND, October 6. Harbour Improvement. The contractor for the reclamation and filling in of the dock site commenced operations to-day. AquaticMr H. D. Morpeth, captain of the Ponsonby Bowing Club, has been challenged by Mr Yates, whom ho defeated at the last regatta, to row for a £2O trophy in December. His acceptance is improbable, owing to engagements. Magisterial. Mrßarstow, B.M.,sat on the Bench today for the last time. Mr J. B. Bussell, ei senior member of the legal profession, was present, and expressed on behalf of the Bar their regret and esteem. Mr Barstow suitably replied. Hopeful Sign. The Natives &?o taking considerable interest in the vaccination question. Crime. At the Supreme Court, Adolph charged with rape on a Maori woman, near Mongonui, was acquitted. WANGANUI, October 6. AquaticAt the annual meeting of the Wanganui Bowing Club this evening, a resolution was passed that it was desirable that an association of rowing clubs throughout the colony should be formed, with the object of fostering amateur rowing. The Wanganui Club is in a floutishing condition. WELLINGTON, October 6 Political. Mr Henry Jackson is a candidate far the Hutt seat, and Mr W. G. Russel for Foxton. The Mails. The City of Sydney, with the London msi ,j of the 18th ult., left San Francisco for Auckland on Bunday, the 25th, being one day later than time table date. The Australia, with the September colonial mails, arrived at Sin Francisoo on the 3rd inst., being three duys earlier than time table date. Benevolence. The subscription in aid of the fund for the relief of the persecuted Jews in Southern Russia, exceeds £IOO. DUNEDIN, October 6. Libel CaseThe trial of Thomas Allan for criminal libel on J. M. Massey, town clerk, lasted all day. The libel consisted in a statement sent to the town oounoil that Massey had incited Allen to burn down the premises, in which both were jointly interested, for the purpose of obtaining the insurance thereon. Evidence •f an extraordinary character was given. A strong point was made for the defence that a civil aotion should have been brought. After

1 about an hour's retirement the jury brought in a verdict of " Not guilty, justification not proved." His Honor—" Then you say it is no libel ?" The foreman—" No libel." Political. Capt. Baldwin is out for Dunedin East. School AttendanceThe Otago school returns for the quarter show 18,382 ohildren on the rolls at the commencement of the quarter, and at the end 19,178. Average attendance 15,190. This is about 1000 loss than before the outbreak of the measles. INVEBOAKGILL. October 6. BenevolenceAt a meeting of the Hospital committer tonight the treasurer reported that Mr J. T. Thomson, 0.E., had sent him a donation of £IOO to the funds of the institution, and that the proceeds of the recent Scottish entertainment in aid of the funds of the Hospital were over £IOO. Orer £7O has already been collected in this district for the fund in aid of the persecuted Jewß in Southern Russia. The list is not Tet closed. Volmnteer Training The Southland Hussars will undergo six days' annual training, commencing on December 12th. [FBOM THB OWN COBBESPONDBNT THEJ OF "PBBSB."J

WELLINGTON, October 6. Considerable surprise has been created by the publication of the following statement in the " Patea Mail ": —" We have every reason to believe that Mr Bryce has been invited to join_ the Ministry on the understanding that his Native policy would be carried out. The offer wbb made in a form which Mr Bryce did not consider acceptable, and he declined. Our information, which comes from a reliable source, and is supported by other evidence, is to the effect that Mr Bryce was not directly offered the position of Native Minister, which was to be retained by Mr Eolleston, but he was expected to take another position in the Ministry and give his help in settling the Native diMculty on the lines of his previous plan. Mr Bryoe is understood to have declined on these grounds. When he proposed to enter Parihaka, he had a Btrong force on the spot, and he knew the Maoris at Parihaka were much fewer and were in less warlike temper than they are now." In reference to the above, the "Post" says:—"Such is the strange story whioh comes from Patea. We are not in a position either to affirm or deny its earrectness, as the strictest official reticence is observed on the subject. It may fairly be assumed, however, that a report of that character would receive an authoritative denial if untrue, and that it is therefore tolerably accurate. If so, it explains the ministerial trip to Opunake." I am in a position to contradict on authority the report circulated that Major Atkinson will not contest the Egmont seat, but will offer himself for another Taranaki constituency. This is wholly untrue. Major Atkinson will stand again for Egmont, and his return is regarded as certain.

No fresh news has been received from Sir Kolleston to-night, or indeed during the last few days, regarding Native matters. All is known to be going an quietly and favorably to the Government plans. The Wellington Diocesan Synod to night, after a long debate, unanimously oarried a resolution thanking the Bishop of Wellington for hie vigorous and successful opposition to the Church of England Trusts Incorporation Bill, introduced in last session of Parliament, and also approving and endorsing the action of the Standing Committee in the matter.