LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Kumara Times, Issue 203, 29 May 1877, Page 2

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

[per press telegraph agency.]

Wellington, May 28. A poll of ratepayers for and against Drainage Scheme for the City of Wellington was—ayes, 538; noes, 239. It is stated on good authority that a report circulated about the disagreement amongst Ministers is absolutely incorrect. During frequent meetings of the Cabinet, all members being present, Ministers have cordially agreed on the measures to be submitted to Parliament; their Bills and, financial arrangements are in a forward state, and it is expected the Financial Statement will be made very early in the session, which will probably open on July 19. .

The Government has for some time been in communication with Sir. W. Jervois and Colonel Scratchley, with a view to obtaining their professional opinion on the defences of the New Zealand harbors. Latest advices render it most probable these officers will visit New Zealand after reporting for the Victorian Government.

The Governor, accompanied by the Hon. Mr Bowen, will leave in the s.s. Hinemoafor Lyttelton next Monday. The Governor will lay the foundationstone of the Christchurch College, and will return to Wellington in about a week.

Auckland, May 28. The government has awarded £ls to Norgrove and Kirk for the capture of Te Pati, also £5 each to three others.

Sir G. Grey’s health has improved, and he is determined to attend Parliament,

The Native Lands Bill, drafted byMr Whitaker, is being printed here for distribution before Parliament meets. The Auckland Steam Packet Company’s directors in their report regret that it -was of a most unsatisfactory character, as they show by accounts a loss on the sale and working of the s. s. Llewellyn, £8543 ; by stranding of the Pretty Jane, £1053 ; and by the sale of the hulk Albion, £368. The nett earnings of the boats, after covering all repairs, amount to £3480; carried to credit of insurance fund, £520, which fund, after writing off £1053 on account of the Pretty Jane, shows a e redit balance of £16951 Is 6. A veiy

heavy loss was entailed by the reduced value of the company’s vessels, which were purchased when steamers were much higher j also from the unfavourable receipts of the past half-years tradings.

Fears are’entertained for the safety of schooner Aspasia, which left Wellington on the 2nd of May in company with the Hanna Bloomfield for Kaipara. The latter arrived several days ago, but no news of the Aspasia. Timaru, May 28. Another shocking accident occurred to-day. Mr J. F. Nixon was found dead about a mile from Timaru, with his brains blown out and a gun lying by him. Parts of his head were found twenty yards off. Deceased was a new arrival here, and is said to be a retired officer. He has relatives in Dunedin. An inquest will be held this afternoon. May 29. In the case of Nixon, the Coroner’s jury returned a verdict of accidental death. The whole affair is very mysterious. Deceased had been here about a month, but was not known to anyone. He is said to have had a considerable sum in the bank, besides what was found upon him. He was dressed like a gentleman, and from his papers seems to have been a great chessplayer. No one knows why he came here, or any thing else about him.