PROVINCIAL NEWS.

Kumara Times, Issue 2531, 1 August 1884, Page 2

PROVINCIAL NEWS.

+. SUICIDE AT GREY MOUTH. [from our own correspondent.] Greymouth, August 1, William Isherwood committed suicide to-day, about 1 o’clock, by blowing his brains out with a revolver. Pecuniary difficulties are snppposed to be the cause. He leaves a wife and three children. * [united press association.] Wellington, July 32. At the inquest on the body of Jeremiah Savage, who was drowned on Castle Point Beach, a verdict of “ Found drowned ” was returned. Deceased was galloping along the beach, and it is supposed he was thrown from his horse. A letter by the ’Frisco mail states that Captain Benson, well known in New Zealand in connection with the old Panama Steam Service, died at London on 22nd May, after a short illness. Mr C. W. Adams, geodesical surveyor, has just completed observations in connection with the transit of Venus, to determine accurately the longitude of New Zealand. He now goes to Auckland to take sidereal observations

to determine accurately the latitude of New Zealand and its true meridian. The observations will probably be taken at Gisborne, Tauranga, Napier, and other points on the East Coast of the North Island. Mr Adams leaves by the Hinemoa to-night for Manukau. The Hinemoa has orders to keep a look out for the derelict vessel reported by the captain of the Stormbird. She will also probably call at Kawhai en route for Manukau. THE GOVERNOR ON HARBOR DEFENCES. Christchurch, July 31. The Governor, replying to the toast of his health, said that he hoped to have the pleasure during the next two years of being not an unfrequent visitor to Christchurch. The establishment of direct steam communication with Great Britain was, he considered, a benefit the advantages of which could not be calculated. The service had been established in a manner doing the greatest credit to Mr Coster and all concerned. He then referred to the question of colonial defence, especially in reference to the protection of the great ocean sea-ways over which colonial trade passed. Great Britain protected those routes by her fortresses and fleets, and it developed upon the Australasian colonies to do their part in the general defence of the Empire. Since he first visited the colonies, seven years ago, many of the Australian ports had been fortified and protected with troops and ships. As yet very little bad been done in New Zealand, and it must be remembered that the more the harbors of Australia were protected the more would those of New Zealand be liable to attack if they were unpiotected. So soon as Major Cautley’s plan for New Zealand defence was completed, he (Sir William Jervois) would lay it before the Government. That plan would provide for the defence of the harbors of Bluff, Dunedin, Wellington, and Auckland. These defences, however, would have to be supplemented by powerful torpedo boats. He had no doubt that, sooner or later, the country would provide the necessary funds, whether by loan or out of ordinary revenue he was not of course prepared to say. New Zealanders had had a valuable estate entrusted to them. The time when it had to be defended against internal foes was passing away, but it was their duty and privilege to have to guard it against external attack.