NEW ZEALAND.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2351, 15 October 1881, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND.

[PEE PRESS ASSOCIATION.J AUCKLAND, October 14. Reserves for Educational Purposes. At a meeting of the Auckland Education Reserves Commissioners, regret was expressed that certain desirable amendments in the Reserves Act, for the purpose of enabling the Commissioners to deal with certain authorised reserves in Poverty Bay district, had not been made during the recent session of the Assembly, notwithstanding a promise from the Ministry that the matter should bo attended to. Land DisputeRather a complicated case, arising out of certain transactions for the acquisition of Native land, is being investigated by the Trust Commissioner, Colonel Hamilton. The facts seem to be as follows:—Some time ago Charles King entered into negotiations with two Maoris residing at Rotorua, named Fekerangi Taere (sister) Whorataka (brother), for the purchase of 800 acres of land belonging to them, in Patetere district. Eventually, an agreement was come to for the sale of the land at 7s per acre, and King at once paid over £2OO on account. In the meantime the New Zealand Land Company had been in treaty for a block of several thousand acres including the very 800 referred to above, and they succeeded in getting the signature of all the Native owners, Pekerangi Taeri and Wheretaka amongst the number, to a deed of sale, at 6s per acre. The owners of the 800 acres subsequently declared that their names were signed to the deed in profound ignorance of its contents, no interpreter being present to translate its signification to them. They now wish to bo released from its conditions, in order that they may carry out their prior arrangements with King, and for the purpose therefore of validating his claim this gentleman applies to the Trust Commissioner to refuse a certificate to the Land Company. The principal witnesses examined were To Wharataka, Meneihiera, Te Whakatana, and Mr Wilson. This afternoon the principals in the affair were engaged in arranging the terms of settlement, so as to avoid dragging the mutter into Court. It is considered most probable that an amicable arrangement of the difficulty will be come to. At a meeting of the building trade last night, at which thirty were present, it was decided to work eight and half a hours per day and have a half-holiday on Saturdays. WELLINGTON, October 14. The Native Minister-

Mr Bolloston visits the West Coast again next week. Aquatic. The boating season will bo opened tomorrow afternoon by a procession of boats. The Bicycle NuisanceA Bioyole Club has been formed here, and the member* meet on Saturday for the purpose of having a spin. The GaleIt has been blowing a strong N.W. gale for the past two daj a. Volunteers to the FrontThe Htnemoa loaves for Opunake to-mor-ow, taking 100 armed constabulary. TIMABU, October 14. Our Cavalry. The annual training of the Canterbury

Yeomanry Cavalry «u brought to a cloie to-day by a grand review by Colonel Packe. The movements were witnessed by several thousand people, a half holiday being observed for the occasion. The Northern contingents leave for home to-morrow. DUNEDIN, October 14.

Action at LawAt the Supreme Court to-day, the action McLeod v Beeves, claim £2OOO for malicious prosecution, was tried. The circumstances which led to the action arose out of a scene at the close of the Dunedin Exhibition, when some wino was taken, and by the authority of the committee McLeod was prosecuted for larceny. The result of the trial was the nonsuit of plaintiff, on the ground that it was not proved that there was insufficient cause for the original prosecution. Missing VesselA telegram from Qreymouth received in Dunedin says that the steamer Waipara had returned from her search for the missing schooner Owake, having had no success. Incurables-

There are twenty-six incurable patients in the Dunedin Hospital at present, A deputation of the Hospital committee waited upon the Hon, Dick yesterday to ask assistance towards establishing a separate institution for them, but no determination was come to except that the Government in the meantime authorised the committee to arrange for the maintenance of such patients, [from the own correspondent op the “ PBBSS.”J

WELLINGTON, October 14. It should bo clearly understood that Mr Oliver's return to the Ministry does not fill up the vacancy which has so long been the subject of speculative curiosity. He joins simply as an eighth minister. Assuming all places to be filled up, the law permits suoh an extra Minieterto bo appointed, provided he does not receive salary, and it is on this understanding that Mr Oliver has consented to re-join his former colleagues. In regard to hi* elevation to the Legislative Council, it was thought, I understand, very desirable to have another Minister to assist Mr Whitaker in the Council work, which has now grown very heavy. New blood is also much needed in the Council, and Mr Oliver’s former associations with the most arduous department of the Government will render him a very useful acquisition to the Upper House. Such, I believe, are the main reasons which have guided the Government in making the offer to Mr Oliver, but I hear that he hesitated some time before accepting, in consequence of the somewhat unsatisfactory state of his health. It is reported that for this last reason he had determined to retire from the Dunedin election, as hie health would not have permitted him to face the fatigue and worry of a contest. This present arrangement with him does not at all solve the question as to the allotment of the vacant portfolio, which, I am told, will not be settled for some little time yet. There is nothing fresh regarding Native affairs, bat I may caution you against being misled by a statement from the “ Wanganui Herald ” that active measures will be taken by the Government before the 17th, when the next Farihaka meeting comes off. This is wholly incorrect. The Government will not be ready by that time, and it is also deemed very desirable that the result of recent events, and their effect on the proceedings at the meeting, should first be noted before any aggressive measures are adopted. As I pointed out, Mr Bolleston's conference with Te Whiti was obviously in the nature of an ultimatum, and a prelude to the immediate and vigorous enforcement of the law. Preparation is steadily going on. The Hinemoa takes up another large batch of Armed Constabulary recruits to-night or to-morrow, and returns at once for yet another. Arrangements are being mode to have a strong force of Volunteers on the ground, to protect settlements and garrison posts, so as to leave the constabulary free for active operations, which are intended to be of a thorough and conclusive character. The direct communication with Te Whiti, advised by the Boyal Commission, has now been carried out, but has failed, and nothing now remains but to compel obedience to the law and remove the obstruction to settlement. The good prices fetched by the Hawera land sh>w that full confidence in the Government is felt by residents in the disturbed district, notwithstanding imaginative stories of inventive specials.