LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Kumara Times, Issue 1402, 30 March 1881, Page 2

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

[new ZEALAND PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Christchurch, March 29. Mr C. Y. O’Connor, accompanied by Mr Browne, started from Christchurch to inspect the proposed railway route. An influential deputation waited on the Premier, and urged on him the advisableness of the Government obtaining power from Pailiament to deal generally with any company that may be formed here or elsewhere for the purpose of constructing trunk lines of railway, and encouraging them by concessions of land. Their suggestions were received favorably by the Premier, The Hon John Hall left for Wellington by the Not folk this evening. Dunedin, March 28. It was stated at a meeting of freethinkers yesterday that they will declare themselves as such in the census to be taken nest Sunday. March 29. The proposal to form a telephone exchange here has fallen flat, no subscribers at the charge fixed having come forward. The charge of £l7 10s a year is generally considered too high. Wellington, March 29. James Owen, proprietor of the Tainui Hotel, fell down in a fit, and expired to-day. The cause of death is supposed to have been apoplexy. Deceased was well known, having been licensee of various hotels in this district. Government have decided to release two of the Maori prisoners confined in the Hokitika gaol.—one an account of his suffering from consumption and the other that he may accompany the invalid home. Both belong to the hapu of Titokowaru. The official protest of Sir Arthur Gordon, and also of Commodore Wilson, respecting the action of the Colonial Conference on the question of the High Commissioners of the Western Pacific, has been received by the New South Wales Government, and copies have been laid before the Parliament of that Colony; Sir H. Parkcs has officially sent copies to this Government. The pro’est relates less to the action of the

Conference than to the question published as one of the appendices to the proceedings of the Conference. Auckland, March 38. Atthe Panmure Race?; Golden Crown was disqualified foi* alleged dark riding in the. Handicap of 25'sova. and. all. bets are off. Tlid police had to protect ttie jockey (Byes) from the mob; who also followed the parties suspected of beipg concerned for some distance from the course. Some son theta men are rumored to have something to do with stiffening o t n the horse. The matter will probably be brought before the Auckland Rfteina Club. s