LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Kumara Times, Issue 704, 31 December 1878, Page 2

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

[PHESS AGENCY.]

Timaru, December 30

The two most southern bays of the Rangitata bridge sank three or four feet and are careening over. It*is impossible to cross. Traffic of all description is stopped ; even the mails are not allowed to be taken over. Wanganui, December 30.

Rather alarmed at the proposal to lay up the St Kilda and Wallabi, it is proposed to form a Wangamu Graziers' S.S. Company, with the object of retaining the present trade, with such alterations as the directors may consider -will conduce to profit. Wellington, December 30.

Hunters' farm, close to Wellington, consisting of five thousand acres, was purchased to-day with all improvements, but not including stock, by Phillip Mooler, Andrew Young, and Jacob Joseph, for ,£60,000. Nklson, December 30.

The navvies on the port railway extension have struck this morning for nine shillings a day. LATEST UNPUBLISHED. Wellington, December 30. A circular issued by the Secretary of the New Zealand Rifle Association states that the rough draft of the programme for the Nelson meeting comprises eight matches for Volunteers only ; four for the Rifles ; and four for the Carbines. In these matches, the firing for the champion belt will be taken. For any members there are ten matches, two of which are for carbines, and two for small bores, the latter being up to 1000 yards. There is also to be a consolation match. Between £9OO and £IOOO will be given in money prizes at the match.

The crops in Wairarapa are reported to be looking splendid.. Hankin, a well-known journalist, has purchased the Wairarapa Guardian. The sawmillei-s in Wairarapa complain of the want of railway trucks. H.M. ship Sappho left this morning for Home, having been detained here longer than expected owing to roughness of the weather preventing the coal hulk getting alongside her. December 31. It is said that imperative instructions have been issued by the Minister of Public Works that all free passes on railways are to cease after the Ist of January, except to members of the Legislature and officials of the Railway and Public Works Department traveling on Public service. The Resident Magistrate's Court will be removed to the old Provincial Buildings the second week in January. The New Zealand Times says it is whispered that considerable difficulty is experienced in the administration of the land tax scheme, particularly in the way of getting information as to the value of land. The expenses, too, are said to be in excess of what was estimated.

Christchurch, December 31

It will be several days before through traffic will be restored on the railway. Great inconvenience is felt in consequence.

The Waimakariri is still very high, and the mails and passengers are conveyed by the road. A large gang of men are repairing the damaged portion of the railway. A man was fined 20s for fishing without a license, and though his lawyer contended that as he afterwards took out a licence which gave him the right to fish from before the committal of the offence, the Bench, held different views.