PROVINCIAL NEWS.

Kumara Times, Issue 2687, 2 May 1885, Page 2

PROVINCIAL NEWS.

[UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION. 1

Christchltrch, May 1. Jonn Green, carpenter of the barque Colleen, was to-day committed.for trial on a charge of stabbing a ship's apprentice named Leslie.

, Wellington, May 1. The Colonial Treasurer received a cable from the Agent-General announcing that the amount of loan converted to date was .£3,642,000.

DEFENCE ARRANGEMENTS.

Wellington, April 30. Submarine mines for defence purpose will arrive in the colony in a day or two. These are intended to be laid at the principal ports, and ulso at coal harbours.

The Hinemoa leaves for Auckland to-morrow with nine miles of cables, to be used in connection with the torpedo defences. Captain Medley, Royal NavyReserve, has been temporarily engaged to assist at Douglas in matters connected with marine defence.

His Excellency the Governor has cabled to the Secretary for War requesting that a supply of one million of cartridges for small arms be sent without delay. Inquiries are being made throughout New Zealand as to the facilities for manufacturing cartridges in the colony. It has been decided that no more commissions are to be issued to officers of Militia and Vo'unteers np to and including the rank of captain, except provisionally, and then these will lapse unless a satisfactory examination is passed by the officers within three months.

Arrangements are to be made at each of the principal towns for holding examinations of officers of militia, whoso commissions were recently revoked, and will be invited to elect between being placed on the retired list with their former rank and seniority, or re-entering the militia for active service. Those who desire the latter will have to apply through the officer commanding the district, and present his certificate of physical fitness, and should he pass the necessary examination within three months, he will be placed on the active list with his former rank.