NEW ZEALAND.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2414, 30 December 1881, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND.

[PBB PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, December 30. The Missing Writ. It is the writ for Waikouaiti that is missing, net the Rodney one. Fan TanA deputation, headed by the Mayor, waited on the Minister of Justice this morning, bringing under his notice resolutions passed at a public meeting, relating to the imposition of a heavy fine on several Chinamen for playing fan tan. A petition to his Excellency was also presented, praying that the fine be remitted. The deputation urged that the defendants were strangers to the country, and were not aware of our customs or laws, and further, that they were not playing for gain. Mr Dick, in reply, said the police had on several occasions warned the keeper of the house of tho penalties ho would incur if gambling was allowed to go on. However, ho would bo happy to forward the petition for his Excellency’s favorable consideration. A report would be obtained from the magistrates who convicted the Chinamen as to whether tho fine was too severe, and the case would then be fully considered. He mentioned that tho fine having been paid it would be rather difficult to have it refunded. The Rodney Writ. The Rodney writ was received by tho Clerk of Writs by mail this morning. Tho delay will be put right by order in Council, and the irregularity in regard to the Waikouaiti writ will also be corrected in the same manner, but it is still doubtful whether the Act will enable the Governor in Council to direct a return for Hokitika under the circumstance. Fire. HAVELOOK, December 30. Mr Hutchison’a Masonic Hotel, and James Smith’s store and outbuildings wore burnt down last night. Brownlee and Co's, and Mills Brcs.’s stores, Feare’ Hotel, and Benemore’s, had a narrow escape. Tho insurances are Hutchinson’s Hotel, National £SOO, Transatlantic £SOO. Jas. Smith’s store— Victoria £SOO, Union£Boo. TIMARU, December 30. The Weather. A strong nor’-wester is blowing to-day, but not violent enough to do damage. Two steamers, the Westport and Waitaki, are alongside tho wharf, held hard against it by ttie wind. Tho water supply is a groat boon to the residents in tho main streets,whore it is used plentifully to lay the dust. DUNEDIN, December 30. Advance Dunedin. The Penguin was brought up close alongside the Rattray street wharf. She grounded slightly off Ravensbourne, but returned at full tide easily. It is generally admitted that the trip was a success, and that the money spent on the channel has been produc ive of great eood. The Hon. Mr Oliver, Mr Fergus, M.H.R., and Mr Fish, M.H.R., spoke strongly in favor of the Board’s operations. It is expected that in three months’ time all the intercolonial vessels will be able to come to Dunedin.