PROVINCIAL NEWS.

Kumara Times, Issue 2658, 14 March 1885, Page 2

PROVINCIAL NEWS.

[united press association.] Wellington, March 12. The three-masted schooner Lord of the Isles arrived from Mauritius to-day. An A.B. named Francis was washed overboard during the voyage, March 13. The Colonial Secretary and Minister of Lands left overland for Napier this morning on departmental business. The Minister of Mines leaves for South on Sunday next, and intends to make an official visit to all the Otago goldfields. The Stella has gone to Opunake to bring down 35 A.Cs. It is understood they are to be drilled to use the heavy battery guns which are to be mounted to protect the harbor. It is also understood that instructions have been wired to the Agent-General for the purchase ordinance of war material to the value of upwards of £IOO,OOO, according to the recommendation of Major Cautley, as required in connection with his defence scheme. Dunedin, March 12. At the Police Court to-day two persons charged with getting up halfcrown sweeps on the racecourse were each fined ss, The Magistrate and the detective both agreed that it was impossible to put down this offence, as hundreds were guilty of it. Ten persons were charged with sly grog-selling at Nenthorne, and fines ranging from £lO to £2O were inflicted in several cases. March 13. The man Fitzpatrick, who was so badly hurt by a reaping machine at Clutha, died after the amputation of his leg, mortification having set in. Auckland, March 12. At a meeting of Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee to-day, a resolution was carried urging Government to take immediate action for the defence of Auckland. The resolution will come np for ratification at the meeting of the Chamber to-morrow. The N.Z. University Senate has now closed its session and members are dispersing for their homes. Walter Dowden, auctioneer, died suddenly in his auction mart this afternoon while conversing with bis wife. Heart disease was the cause. D. Makin, a local ped, has closed with J. Rayner’s challenge to a twelve hours’ walking match for £SO aside. March 13. The Government are inviting tenders for work necessary for mounting one of the 64-pounders now lying at North Shore, on the North Head, Charles Brown, commercial traveller, accidentally fell over the Marsden point wharf, Whangarei, on to the deck of the steamer Lily through tripping on the timber, and fractured his skull. There are hopes of his recovery. It is stated here that negotiations are in progress witli one of the other colonies to send 260 picked men out of the Auckland contingent for Soudan. George North, of Wellington sweep notoriety, is reported to be in Auckland.