By Electric Telegraph

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume IV, Issue 212, 21 March 1873, Page 5

By Electric Telegraph

(From our own correspondent.)

Dunedin, Thursday Evening. WELLINGTON. The General Government promise to construct the railway from Rollestonto Malvern Hills at once. Experiments with Malvern Hills coal have resulted in 14,000 feet of gas to the ton being obtained. Its illumination power is equal to twenty-four candles. The 'Argus' states, on the authority of Reynolds, that Waterhouse only accepted office on the distinct understanding that he would be relieved at the earliest opportunity. _ _ The private friends of Lady Bowen intend to present her with a handsome present. AUCKLAND. A farewell ball was given to the Governor last night, at which the Chief Justice presided. The Governor said he had spent five of the happiest years of his life in New Zealand. In the south, respect for his office existed, but in Auckland personal esteem for himself and family had been evinced. The px*ocession left the Government House at three o'clock. A grand triumphal arch was erected on the wharf, bearing the Governor and his family's names. Arrangements were made, by request, so that the Governor did not take part in the procession. The s.s. Hero, accompanied by the Luna, cleared the Heads at six o'clock. 12,000 people were present. Superior petroleum has been found at Taranaki. The'' Southern Cross ' and * Herald' have published details of the proposed electric telegraph cables to New Zealand. It is proposed to construct a cable between Australia and New Zealand ; and also one from Nor- , man town to Singapore. Three Colonies gua- ! rantee five per cent, upon one million of capital to be equally divided, and three percent, upon the actual cost. If the scheme is ratified by Parliament,. New Zealand will have to pay £16,700 per annum, but the receipts from working, the line are expected to bring in an equal amount. The guarantee is to be for thirty-three years. A message from New Zealand to Australia is not to exceed fifteen shillings, extra words, 9d. each. A message of twenty words from Normantown to Singapore (no message to exceed forty words for th« first two years), 355.; extra words, 2s. each. The two cables are to be constructed simultaneously. Four weeks j early are to be allowed for repairs. £12,000 will be allowed to cover all expenses per annum ; all receipts above that amount are to go towards the reduction of the guarantee. BLUFF. The s.s. Albion has arrived. Reynolds is a passenger from Melbourne. She brings English news to the 10th inst. ENGLISH. Thiers is seriously indisposed, Tbe French Assembly regards the AngloFrench treaty unfavorably. It is not settled when Sir James Fergusson j leaves for New Zealand. Arrived, the J. N. Fleming. I Welsh collier's strike is continued, much i bitterness of feeling existing between I masters and men. In the Commons Lord Cecil moved that \ the Colonies contribute to the defence of -the Empire according to their wealth and population. The Government opposed the resolu- ' Lion, which was'withdrawn. 12,000 Ashantees invaded British territory. Contest 1.0 transfer Elmed (?). Bank of England, London and Westminster bank, Rothschild, Baring, and s-veral foreign banks have been forged upon to a large amount in Amouds. Three accomplices are in custody. Warren, the prime mover, is at large. At wool sales 10th March, the fall of greasy wools is nearly 25 per cent on last February sales. 75,000 bales sold, 5,000 withdrawn. Victoria fleeces and superior greasy sorts 2d. lower than December. Good Australian fleeces 3d., superior do, 4d. to 4£d. Inferior, greasy 3d. lower. President Grant's speech nctes the rapid spread of republicanism through Europe, hie augurs that it will spe: dily be the dominating power throughout the world. He will endeavor to civilise which, he will exterminate them. Webb has taken the boats off the San Francisco and New Zealand line. Carlists have overrun the whole of Spain. Internecine war inevitable. LATEST NEWS. March 12. The Gladstone Ministry were?defeated by 287 to 284, on the Irish University Bill. Lord Granville is expected to reconstruct the Ministry. Wool firmer. PROVINCIAL. Caide? has resigned his seat in the Assembly. Featherstone telegraphs, on March sth, that the protest from the Nevada's passengers, regarding the dangers of the last voyage to just arrived in time,to turn the scale against the Webb Subsidy Bill in the Senate. On the 6th March Featherstone received a copy of the following cablegram from Webb's

London agents :—'' The Subsidy Bill has failed. Make no further engagements, and withdraw advertisements. Inform Featherstone of this determination." ' On. the Bth, Featherstone telegraphs that, as the steams ers are withdrawn, the Government are advised not to despatch mails by that route. Subsequently, Webb telegraphed that hi* steamers were sold to Mr. Stackwell, who again sold them to the Pacific Railway Company, who intend to continue the service to Honolulu. In a subsequent telegram, Fea-; therstone states that he believed he could" arrange an efficient service from San Francisco to New Zealand and Australia, provided that a subsidy of £60,000 can be secured from New Zealand, and £IB,OOO from Victoria or Sydney. Conditions are said to be favorable, but New Zealand is only to have a branch service, as an Australian port is to be the terminus \ Featherstone states that owing to dreadful;shipping'disasters on .the'-British coast this winter emigrants show a great disinclination to leave during the winter months.