TELEGRAPHIC.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IX, Issue 124, 30 April 1885, Page 3

TELEGRAPHIC.

(UNITED PBESS ASSOCIATION.' AncKLAND, April 29. Mr Coates, the contractor for the first section of the trunk railway, signs the bonds to-day. Work commences next i week. i The number of men at work on the \ fortifications has been reduced to 200. By the end of the week the whole of the heavy gum m tho batteries will be mounted. The prospects of the Kawakawa coal mine are improving. The seam is five feet thick and gradually improving, and fren from fault.-. The City Schools Committee protest against the frequent public schools' holidays, and recommend the abolition of St. Patrick's, St. George's, and Pt. Andrew's days as school holidays. Wellington', April 29. The Desonce Minister was indisposed i and unable to attend at his office to-day. I Captain Kinlay, of the steamer Coptic, I shows but little improvenrwit. It is believed that he is suffering from brain fever. Mr William Seed, Secretary for Customs, returned from England by tho Kaikoura. He has much improved m health. The writ m connection with the suit m which Lieutenant Purnell, of Wanpanui, has decided -jo bring against the New Zealand '*ifle Association m respect to the action of that body m disqualifying him at the Island Bay niei't- ' ing lsst month, was served yesterday. The claim amounts to £127, made up as follows :— -£SO as damages for not being allowedito lire m the annual match ; £50 as damages for being disqualified for rifle championship ; and £27, value of prizes won by plaintiff, but retained by the association. ' The Maud Bay Jockey Club, which intended holding a -one day meeting a week later than the Racing Club's meeting, have withdrawn their programme owing to certain legal difficulties respecing the letting of the course. •Blenheim, April 29. John Wilson was found guilty of an * attempt to commit a rape, and was sentenced to five years' imprisonment and 25 lashes. His honor said the prisoner added one more to the long catalogue of those who had ruined themselves by drink. Chrjstchwrcit, April 29. The Hinemoa arrived from Wellington this morning with a number of lunatics to be transferred to Seacliff Asylum. She was also to have taken a number from here, but was recalled by Government to Wellington, whither she sailed this evening. The parents were sent on by special train to their destination. Wanganui, This Day. An official intimation has been received from the Minister of Justice that the fines amounting to .£IOO m the cases ot T.'irms v. Spuvdlo for doing work at the hospital while a Borough Corncillor, have been remitted.