PROVINCIAL NEWS

Kumara Times, Issue 3021, 9 July 1886, Page 2

PROVINCIAL NEWS

[united PRESS ASSOCIATION. 1 Auckland, July 7. Professor Hutton returned to Rotorua last night after five days' inspection of the eruption on the Galatea side. He fiist visited Rotomahana and then Mttempted to reach Tarawera mountain from the eastern side, but did not get within ten miles of the place. He states thit from the crater right on the top of Tarawera proper, with the aid of the glasses he made out two steaming streaks down the side of the mount, which he believes to be lava streams'. Professor Hutton has not yet met the Auckland professors, who are in the camp at Kaiteriria coilecting data, but he was expected back to-day. The professional trio wil' then hold a conference. Professor Hutton is properly reticent as to bis opinions, until he has communicated with Government, but he apprehends no further danger, and thinks the ascent of Tarawera will be a perfect summer expedition. July 8. A great blow up occurred at Rotomahana at nine this morning; it shot np a column of steam, mud and stones to the height of 15,000 feet, and lasted ten minutes. Some anxiety is felt for the safety of the exploring party in the vicinity. The cloud was seen at Te Aroua. Professors Thomas and Brown returned from Rotomahana and have,

gone to Rotoiti j they are silent as to their opinions. Christchurch, July 8. Mrs Messenger, the wife of the publican who was lately btought back from Australia on a charge of wife desertion, recently left for Auckland, leaving her six children to the care of the father. He retaliated by laying tfn information against his wife for stealing his furniture, etc, to the value of £35. Mr Beetbam did not issue a warrant, but summoned Mrs Messenger to appear in Christchurch. The case was called on to-day, but she did not appear. MiMartin, solicitor, who had been instructed by her friends, stated that she had not the means to pay her passage. Mr Beetham remarked'that the case was one of the most lemarkuble illustrating the topsy-tuivydom of married life that he had ever heard of. As there was no proof of the service of 'he summons, the case was adjourned for a week, the Magistrate expressing a hope that it would be settled. Nelson, July 8. Several parties visited the Champiou smelting works to-day, when the furnace was working splendidly, copper matte flowing most freely. Between 500 and 600 lbs. were running in five minutes. The copper matte obtained so far contains abont 60 per cfmt. of copper, 24 per cent, of sulphur, and 16 per cent, of iron. The sceue at the smelter was a very busy one. THE NEW ZEALAND COURT AT THE EXHIBITION. Wellington, July 8. The following cables were read in the House this afternoon regarding the accusation of mismanagement against New Zealand officials at the London Exhibition:— From the Treasurer to the AgentGenera! : " The reflections made on the New Zealand Court, such as ' being inferior to other colonies,' *not worthy of the colony,' 'third rate museum,' 'too much natural history,' 'Bnller's collections over prominent,' 'inadequate attention to useful production,' 'gold obelisk desirable,' 'not received justice.' Advise what if any truth in these statements, and general estimate of the Court; also, do you think it desirable to do anything?" From Agent-General to Treasurer: " Have summoned a Commission to consider the measures, but meanwhile rest assured that such sweeping detraction is not merely without "warrant, but entirely contrary to general verdict, and really quite ridiculous. None of the Courts comparable to Canada but yours. Compares well with Australian, having regard to the materials at Haast's command." The reading of the above in the House was received with applause.