PROVINCIAL NEWS.

Kumara Times, Issue 2631, 11 February 1885, Page 2

PROVINCIAL NEWS.

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Dunedin, February 9. Captain Charles, who had commanded the steamers Stormbird, Wanganui, Star of the South, Oreti and others, died yesterday. He had been ailing for some time past. February 10. Tasman is scratched for the Dunedin Cup. Auckland, February 10. A saddler named North had his foot cut off by the tram car yesterday. This is the first accident on the Auckland tramway. Kaikouba, February 10. On Saturday, John Gillhead, shepherd on the Clarence ran,' fell down a precipice and fractured his skull. His recovery is doubtful. NEWS FROM SAMOA RE GERMANY AND ANNEXATION. Auckland, February 9. A Samoan correspondent writing under date of January 28th, says that after the mails which were brought from New Zealand and Frisco had been landed from the schooner which brought them from the steamer, forces were sent on shore from the German man-of-war in port, and paraded the streets of Apia in order to intimidate the Samoans. Next morning four boat-loads of men were landed and took possession of a piece of land where the King resides. Tbay erected a flagstaff and built sham redoubts. Webber, who is at the head of a big German firm here, sent a number of colored labourers to do work, while men who were landed from the man-of-war furnished the working party protection by posting sentries all round. This parade lasted till sundown. It is stated here that the arrival of Mr John Lundon has been the immediate cause of this flutter. At any rate the anI thorities here have requested Mr Lundon to take his despatches to that portion of natives who are most likely to be influenced by Germans. He started with an interpreter in a whaleboat one night, nod reached his destination next morning. Mr Lundon had a long conversation with Masu, the kingmaker, who told Lundon, in the presence of a large meeting, that he would go to New Zealand with him, and would sign the petition drafted by Tole at Sir George Grey's request. This petition was sent to Mr Lundon eighteen months ago, but the persons in whose employ he then was forbade him to get signatures then. Lundon gave Masu the petition and said he would get missionaries to translate. The Fleetwing will leave in five days from now with a deputation from the Parliament and the King to New Zealand re annexation. I hope you will support their mission. The Fleetwing ought to be in Auckland about the 20th February. She will carry the Samoan flag. Before leaving resolutions will have been passed in the Samoan Parliament and approved of by the King, praying for annexation to New Zealaud.