LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Kumara Times, Issue 1786, 22 June 1882, Page 2

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

— CAUCUS OF OPPOSITION AND INDEPENDENT MEMBERS. THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS SCHEMES. GOLD DUTIES ABOLITION BILL PASSED SECOND READING. [special to kumara times.] Wellington, June 21. The Westland Education Sub-division Bill, and the Hokitika High School Bill have passed the Local Bills Committee, and the second readings have been ordered. A caucus of the Opposition and independent members was held this morning, at which it was decided to leave the appointment of a leader over until Saturday. Voles for supply will be intercepted on Friday, unless Government promise to bring down their Public Works Statement and the Local Government Bills at an early date. The Government are growing weaker every day. The Financial Statement is not considered satisfactory, and some of the independent members have gone over to the Opposition. Less than a fortnight will see a no-confidence debate under way, unless Government make a hold stroke and lay on the table their Financial, Local Government, and Public Works schemes. If this were done, they would carry the house. Mr Seddon yesterday gave notice to introduce a Bill to Prevent the Adulteration of Tea, Richard John evidently wished to keep popular with the ladies. Government have refused to allow the Payment of Members Bill to be introduced. The second reading of the Gold Duties Abolition Bill comes on to-night. Strong Opposition is threatened. June 22. The Gold Duties Abolition Bill has passed its second reading. ♦ [NEW ZEALAND PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Christchurch, June 20. A man named Allen, foreman in the employ of Mr M. Dixon, Gust, through the horse bolting with the dray in which he was sitting, he was thrown out, and the dray passed over him, causing his death a very short time after. He leaves a wife and six children. The Christchurch West Licensing district, to-day, granted three 12 o’clock licenses. The Bench said in their opinion three kinds of licenses ought to he provided for—lo, 11, and 12 o’clock, according to the class of hotels. At the Magistrate’s Court to-day, Roht. Gray, 12 years, Wm. Gray, 10, and Edgar Jones Thomas were charged with having broken into M'Gregor Watts’ store on Sunday night and stolen £7. The case was fully proved. The Bench said it was a very painful case.

If the boys Imd been a little older they won Id hwe boon convicted as burglars. It was difficult to know how to deal with them. They could not be sent to an Industrial School, because it could hardly be said that they were neglected children. The boys were discharged on the understanding that their parents gave them a sound flogging in the presence of a police officer. The parents undertojk to restore the stolen money. Cowlishaw had a very rowdy meeting again to-night, at Knigbtown, In St. Alban's one man wanted to 6ght him, and others used very forcible language to the candidate. The only motion carried was three groans for Cowlishaw. Wellington, Jnne 19. On the motion of Weston, a return has l»een made of the stamps distributed and sold at the following places during the year ended April 30:—Hokitika, £1872; Reefton, £1055; Greymouth, £964; Kumara,£l94: Goldsborough, £7O; Stafford, £44. June 21. i Hearn, it is understood, has sent Home for a new sculling boat, and, should it arrive in time, he intends to proceed to Sydney to compete for prices offeted by Mr Punch. Dunedin, June 20. It is believed that the rope of the fire escape which broke on Saturday night and caused the accident by which two boys were stunned, was cut by a knife out of malice, and £IOO reward is offered for the detection of the offender. June 21. The money has been staked for a wrestling match between Slade, of Timaru, and Piofessor Miller, of Mace and Miller. The amount is £SO, and the match will take place on Saturday night in the Princess Theatre.