LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Kumara Times, Issue 637, 12 October 1878, Page 2

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

[press agency.] Wellington, October 11. A deputation consisting of several members of both Houses waited on Mr Macandrew to-day with reference to the sole appointment of Dr. Giles sis Commissioner to inquire into ;the past management of the Jackson’s Bay settlement. Dr. Giles is supposed ‘to have left Hokitika for Christchurch this morning. The deputation urged that a Royal Commission should be appointed, and that the inquiry should not devolve entirely upon one person, that it should be held on the spot, and commence first at Hokitika, with the view, of ascertaining how the funds were actually expended in the settlement. A number of affidavits were read, setting forth the treatment received by settlers from Marfarlane, the resident Agent, Mr Macandrew said he would confer with Mr Stout on the subject, when possibly the course suggested by the deputation would be agreed to. The deputation urged the expediency of appointing Judge Ward to act with Dr. Giles, and suspending Maofarlane pending the result of the inquiry. Mr Macandrew promised an answer to be given on these points tomorrow.

The Victorian Government having arranged with the P. and O. Company that' their steamers will in future not call at King George’s Sound on the Homeward passage, a saving of - one day. will thereby be effected, and this will admit of the Suez mails from New Zealand and Australia being despatched one day later than time-table dates, from all ports; - • ■ ; The report.of dhe. Gold-Fields- Committee on the petition of Mr Moore, gold prospector, -Vecemmetided that the sum of £2OO be paid to him as the first discoverer of-reefs' in the Garrick and Macetown districts.

Mr Bastings gave notice that this artm be placed on the Estimates to give effect, to the, recommendation. Ahaura, October 11.

It has been; raining heavily, accotnpapied by strong winds, during the past twenty-four hours. No .appearance of-breaking up. -Thd rivers are rising rapidly, traffic has been suspended,' and further flood-is expected. Balclutha, October 11, 10 a.m.

The river is rising rapidly; the water is now across the main street at Po,st Office. We are certain to have another large flood this afternoon. Remainder of the people are leaving the township. Christchurch, October .il.

Further -floods have occurred in the Ashburton and Rangitata . Rivers through the snow melting on the mountains. The Ashburton River broke through its northern bank about two miles from the township in two places. Getting into an old water Course the current found its way into the town, which would have been flooded to, a considerable extent had nat the Borough Council got men to confine it to the next street by means Of a channel especially cut. As it was the Stationmaster’s house was completely surrounded, and the occupants of several small houses were flooded out. Another span in the Rangitata Railway Bridge has given way,-and the train anuot cross. Mails and passengers are, however, taken to’ and fro over the bridge by means of trolleys,’ thus little delay takes place in traffic. Although the jury returned a verdict of death from natural causes at the inquest yesterday, in the case of Hugh M‘Clatchie, deceased, the police intend to proceed against Dempsey before the R.M Court. :; He was brought up this morning and charged with, manslaughter, and the case remanded for the opinion, of the Crown Prosecutor. J. M. Fitz Gerald, found guilty of maliciously cutting down a tree; was sentenced to six months imprisonment. .It is proposed to collect subscriptions for the relief of sufferers from the floods in Otago. Preliminary meetings was called by Mr Oliver, and will probably be held to-morrow. The quarantine station was yesterday examined, and found to be in a mo«t satisfactory condition. A woman named Rachel Boyd, living at Lyttelton, died very suddenly yesterday. Inquest held to-day. There is a heavy flood at the Bealey, with continuous heavy rain. Tne Oxford murder case commenced in the Supreme Court this morning. During thecoroner’s inquest yesterday, the coroner would not allow questions to he put by prisoner’s counsel, as the latter was there on sufferance.