Telegraphic News.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 226, 8 January 1876, Page 9

Telegraphic News.

Greytown, Thursday. The poll has been declared for the election of Waiohine River District Conservatives. Very great interest was taken, and a large number polled. Gallagher polled 72 ; Kempton, senior, G 6 ; Caselberg, 60 ; Hastwell, 60 ; and Lucane, 59. These were elected. Walker got 27, and others less. There has been very heavy rain all day. Further returns for the Wairarapa election make the totals—Bunny, 352 ; Andrew, 203 ; Phai’azyn, 183 ; Carter, 148. The Alfredtown returns have not yet been received. Wardell declares the poll on the Bth inst. Foxton, Saturday. Walter Johnston addressed the electors last evening, and was very well received. There is every probability of a good majority for him here. Tuesday. Dr. Buller met the electors here last night. There was a crowded meeting. The candidate was well received, and spoke at considerable length. A unanimous vote of confidence was given, and he received the same at Palmerston. He has gone to Otaki to address the Maoris, of whom there are sixty on the roll. Palmerston North, Friday. Walter Johnston addressed a large meeting at Sandon on Thursday, and Dr. Buller, by leave from the chair, replied. A vote of thanks was given. Mr. Johnston addressed the electors here last night, and received a vote of confidence. Dr. Buller addresses them tonight. Auckland, Thursday. Mr. Reader Wood has been returned unopposed for Parnell. In his speech he said that the elections throughout the colony showed that those supporters of the Ministry who were ready to do anything at their bidding, had either deemed it advisable to l’etire, or had been defeated. Saturday. The day was devoted to races, Caledonian sports, and children’s fetes. There was splendid weather. Thousands of children thronged the Domain. At the races and sports many thousands of people were present. The following were the events :—Maiden Produce Stakes.—Perfume, 1 ; Luna, 2 ; Fanny Fisher, 3. Perfume took the lead, and kept it throughout, coming in an easy winner. Before starting, Luna was the favorite. Railway Plate.—-Guy Fawkes, 1 ; Belle of the Isles, 2 ; Medea, 3. Rangi was scratched. Belle of the Isles took the lead, but was hard pressed by Guy Fawkes, and a capital run ensued between them, terminating in Guy Fawkes winning easily. Belle of the Isles was second, about a length behind. Handicap Hurdle Race.—Five started. Medora, 1 ; Auckland Kate, 2. This was a splendid race, every horse taking all the hurdles. Auckland Cup. —Kingfisher, 1 ; Guy Fawkes, 2. Tui, Cocksure, and Ariel also ran. Cocksure bolted. The betting was 2to 1 against Guy Fawkes, which headed for a long time, but was beaten by Kingfisher easily at the last.

The Board of Education have received a letter from the Colonial Secretary, stating that he cannot make the grant of £20,000 asked for school buildings. The firing for the interprovincial shooting match resulted as follows :—Wynyard, 13 ; Russell, 19 ; Middleton, 12 ; Bishop, 19 ; Anderson, 11 ; Steel, 11; Aitken, 10; Morrin, 15 ; Boosie, 17 ; Wood, 13. .Total, 140. Monday.

The Supreme Court opened to-day. The judge, in making his charge, drew attention to the alterations in the law, making it necessary to renew the registration of bills of sale every five years, legalising the evidence of wives and husbands in adultery, and other cases, and of the parties concerned in breach of promise cases. Also to the complete change in the bankruptcy laws. In the Selling Race—Luna, 1; Belle of Isles, 2 ; five ran. Grandstand Handicap— -Parawhenua, 1; Cocksure (the only other horse which ran) bolted. Steeplechase—Auckland Kate, 1; Moose, 2 ; Medora scratched. Publican’s Purse—Guy Fawkes, 1 ; Isaac Walton (only other horse) bolted. Medcalfe, agent for Mdlle De Murska, has proceeded South in the Hawea to arrange for commencing her New Zealand tour from Dunedin. Tuesday. The first match of the Taranaki cricketers against the Auckland Club resulted in an easy victory for the Taranaki men, who scored 157 against 64. The match was a single-wicket one. Sailed—Hawea, for the South, with English mails. Hero, for Sydney. Passengers per Hawea, for Wellington : Dr. and Mrs. Grace, Messrs. Campbell, Hawkens, and Turner, Mrs. Stuart, Mr. and Mrs. Lester. Wednesday. Margaret Wall, the Thames murderess, who killed her two children with an axe, was found not guilty on the ground of insanity. An order for her imprisonment during the Queen’s pleasure was made. Thursday. At the Eden election the poll resulted in Tole, Greyite, 263 ; Taylor, 212.

At the Marsden nomination, at Whangerei, to-day, the show of hands was—Sir R. Douglass, Greyite, 24 ; Munro, old member, 11 ; Bradley, S. The Taranaki cricket team played the United Cricket Club to-day. The game was decided in one innings. The Taranaki men only scored 27 ; the United team made 56 for five wickets. The result of the polling for the Thames will probably be to put in Grey and Lowe. The polling, as far as known for the first three, is as follows :

Mitchell (details omitted), 324. The only returns to come in is that from Mercury Bay, where there are probably a hundred electors, so that the return of Grey and Rowe is certain. There was great excitement during the day, but the greatest good feeling prevailed, and there was no rowdyism. Rowe was cheered, and drawn through the streets in a carriage, the horses being taken out. Sir Julius Vogel’s return could, it is said, have been guaranteed, if he had been earlier in the field. Mr. Chas. O’Neill had no show from the beginning, owing to his late appearance in the field, but an opinion is hazarded that had he made early and active canvass, his return would have been probably amongst the ruck. Grahamstown, Thursday. Sir George Grey addressed a crowded meeting last night. He explained his reasons for appearing as a candidate for the Thames. He said he was there in response to a numerously signed requisition from the Thames people, and because he was under the conviction that he could render great service to the people of that district. Sir George then referred to his connection with the Cape Colony, his recall, and subsequent re-instalment in office. He strongly condemned the transaction in connection with the confiscated lands, and made special reference to the Piako swamp. Regarding the latter, he said he did not believe a single sixpence of this money had been paid to the public for that land, and that the land was now as much the property of the people as ever it was, as the transaction itself was a direct violation of the law. He also condemned the Indemnity Act of last session, and announced himself as favorable to an income and property tax, and a general adjustment of the incidence of taxation, also to triennial Parliaments, and an elective Upper House. In answer to a question as to what objection Sir George Grey would have to name what form of Government he would propose if he had a majority at his back, he said if he attempted, until after months of patient consideration, to put forward a scheme of Government, he would be looked upon as a fool. Of all the strange things he had ever come across, that of asking him off-hand at that late hour to develop a form of Government for New Zealand, was the strangest of all. Sir George’s address lasted nearly two hours, and at the conclusion he received an almost unanimous vote of thanks and confidence. Mr. William Carpenter, A. Brodie, and J. Leyden, have retired from the contest. James Maclcay addresses the electors to-night. The chances of Sir J. Vogel’s return are considered very good ; but his candidature is not being energetically conducted. Saturday. Mackay addressed the electors, and at the conclusion announced his retirement from the candidature, the Government declining to release him from his land purchase contract. Several candidates followed Mackay, including Rowe and Gibbons. Sheehan came down yesterday and withdrew. Sir George Grey returned to Auckland. It is announced that Vogel will accept the position of candidate for the Thames. The popular ticket for the election seems to be the two knights Grey and Vogel. Monday. In response to an advertisement calling a meeting of Sir Julius Vogel’s supporters, there was a large attendance, and a big committee is being enrolled to secure his return. His chance is considered good. Tuesday. John Gibbons has retired in favor of Sir Julius Vogel. The election of the latter is now considered certain.

Wednesday. Chas. O’Neill is prosecuting an active canvass. C. A. Cornes has retired. The Taranaki cricketers are expected to play a match here on Saturday. Charles O’Neill addresses the electors tonight. It is said he would retire if by so doing he could transfer his support to Vogel. There is a great split up of parties here. The Star this evening declares for Vogel and a local candidate. The Advertiser appears to have no opinion. Vogel’s committee are working well.

Tauranga, Wednesday. Election matters are progressing. The supporters of Kelly and Morris are each working hard, and both are confident. Read has two agents here, but his chance of votes here is nil. It is a toss-up between Kelly and Morris, neither of whom are here, being at Gisboi-ne. Thursday. The result of the polling so far is—Read, 213 ; Morris, 196 ; Kelly, 165. Marsh, Makatu, and Whakatane not yet to hand.

Newcastle, Wednesday. The dinner given to the Race Committee and friends by- Mr. Harris has been a, great success. All the principal inhabitants of Ngaruawahia and disti-iet were present. It was unanimously decided that the Government be applied to for a grant of land for a public reserve as a race course. An inquest was held yesterday on the body of Michael Dougheny, who fell down in the

Moanataii-i mine the previous day. A vei’dict of accidental death was returned. Deceased was eighty-two years of age. Napier, Monday. The official declaration of the id oil for Napier was made to-day as follows: —McLean, 326 ; Russell, 269 ; Stuart, 173 ; Colenso, 49 ; Ferard, 13. McLean and Russell returned thanks. The defeated candidates did not putin an appearance. At the nomination for the Eastern Maori Electoral District to-day, Karaitiana Takaxnoana, Ilotene Porourangi, Inita Hikairo, and Kepa Te Rang Puawhe were )xroposed. The show of hands was in favor of Karaitiana. A poll was demauded, and is to be taken on the 15th iixstant. Thursday. The Commissioner of Crown Lands held a sale of town, suburban, and rural sections at Woodville ; village sections at Wallingford; rural sections at Clyde; agricultural sections at Tairoa reserve; rural sections at Eparaima bush; rural sections at Whangawehi; rural sections at Mahia ; agricultural sections at Tikokino reserve; and rural sections at Tua Tua block. There was a large attendance, and excellent prices were obtained for Woodville a.nd Mahia land. The total amount of the sales was upwards of £IO,OOO. It is raining hard to-day, and has been for severed days previously. Much damage has been done to the hay crop. The l-ivers are rising, and there is a probability of a flood if no change occurs soon.

Opunake, Monday. The coi’rect total result of the polling for Egmont district gives Atkinson 225; Ivess, 73. Wanganui, Monday. The nomination of candidates took place to-day. The show of hands was—Bryce, 63 ; Vogel, 59 ; Watt, 25 ; Pharazyn, 14 ; Field, 4. Mr. Duthie, who proposed Sir J. Vogel, made a long speech, showing how he was brought forward. Tlie proceedings lasted an hour and a half, and were very lively. The speech of Mr Pharaayn’s proposer, Mr. Caffrey, solicitor, as well as Watt’s, caused immense amusement. It is genei*ally thought that the show of hands indicate the result of the election, either Bryce or Vogel being at the head of the poll. It is stated that Bull is a Government contractor, and therefoi’e disqualified for- election in Rangitikei, but lie intends to go to the poll. Ballance’s chance is impi-oving, and many consider it the better of the two. Nelson, Friday. At the Nelson Suburbs election Richmond, the old member-, polled 125, and Ront 98. Saturday. In the Collingwood election Gibbs was returned unopposed. Westport, Thursday. Dr. Henry addi'essed the electors last night. Over 300 were present. He was well received and a vote of confidence was passed unanimously. His candidature is much improved. He is a staunch ministerial supporter. Saturday. There was a public excursion on the Mount Rochfort railway line to-day. The first train was sent off at 4.30, crowded by passengers. The engine and trucks were gaily decorated. Trains have been running since at short intervals, conveying hundreds of passengers. Altogether, to-day was quite a gala day.

Hokitika, Saturday. A tremendous thunderstorm passed over the town last evening about midnight. The lightning struck the new Wesleyan Chapel, tearing away a portion of the front and top of the building. The suddenness and violence of the thunder crash knocked down three men in Revell-street. St. Elmas light was distinctly visible. Wednesday. The Alhambi-a took away from Hokitika 4200 ozs. of gold. J. White and E. T. Robinson have retired from the contest for the seat in the Assembly. Ross, Tuesday. At the nominations to-day G. H. Tribe and Cormislcy were nominated. Wednesday. At the nomination to-day, G. 11. Tribe and Comisky were nominated. Christchurch, Friday. At the Akaroa election, Montgomery, the old member, polled 205, and Pilliett, 159. At the Ileathcote nomination, J. T. Fisher had 17 hands held up for him, and Sir Cracroft Wilson, 5. The former is considered certain to be returned. Saturday. Selwyn election poll.—Fitzroy (abolitionist), 244 ; Reeves (old member), 230. This caused great excitement at Chi'istchurch, where Reeves was backed at long odds. Fitzroy is a young untried man. The weather was frightfully hot yesterday. Two brothers were killed by a sunstroke while haymaking at Rangiora. Fitzroy beating W. Reeves, the old member for Selwyn District, by fourteen votes, is considered due to the latter’s making sure of victory, and taking the election too easy. Arnold, who stabbed his shipmate Faithful a few days ago, has been committed for trial. The Lyttelton Regatta was a great success. Thex-e was fine weather, and 8000 people were present; no accidents or disputes. In the Interprovincial Champion Whaleboat Race, for a cup and £SO, Lyttelton took first and second prize ; Timaru, third. In the Champion Sailing Race, New Zealand Shipping Company’s cup, with £IOO added—Franklin Belle, of Dunedin, 1, won easily; Alert, Lyttelton, 2 ; XXX, Lyttelton, 3. In the Yacht Race, Shaw, Saville’s exxp, with £SO added— Spray, Dunedin, I ; Annie Ogle, Canterbury, 2.

Wednesday. Heathcote polling to-day :—J. T. Fisher, abolitionist, 29S ; Sir Cracroft Wilson, 170. Wilson’s defeat was universally expected, as he is very unpopular on the education question. At the Supreme Court to-day, Theodore Arnold was charged with stabbing S. Faithful with intent to murder. After hearing the evidence, Judge Johnston said the charge of intent to murder could not be sustained. The charge was then reduced to unlawfully wounding, and the prisoner was sentenced to two years. Some of the medical men, who l’ecently denied the existence of scarlet fever in Christchurch, now admit it, and one of them, Dr. Patrick, wrote to the Board of Health last night, stating that he is now attending seven cases of undoubted scarlet fever. A special meeting of the Board of Health is to be convened to consider the whole matter. Coleridge Nomination.—Bluett (old member), nil; Wason, 28; Tosswill, 2; Jebson, 8. Timaru, Tuesday. Parker, late member for Gladstone, addresses the electors at Waimate on Wednesday, the day before the nomination. A close contest is expected between Turnbull and Teschmaker. Stafford left for the North this morning, to be present at several elections in which he has a vote. The crops and pastures look better than for many years. An abundant harvest is expected if dry weather follows now. Riverton, Tuesday. The nomination of candidates took place to-day. The following gentlemen were proposed:—McGillivray, Hodgkinson, Mclntosh, Mathews, and Wilson. The show of hands was in favor of Mclntosh. Mathews has since retired. Dunedin, Tuesday. The criminal sessions commenced to-day. The cases were all light ones, and the Judge congratulated the Grand Jury oil that fact. The Dunedin regatta took place yesterday. It was a success, but the weather interfered considerably with the pulling. Two boats were swamped, but no serious accident occured. Sir Julius "Vogel will be nominated for Clutha. Inverc argil, • W edpesday. At the Mataura nomination, Cuthbertson and Wood were proposed. The show of hands was—Wood, 26 ; Cuthbertson, 24. The poll takes place on the 6th January. Saturday. Complete returns of the Wallace election are now received. Basstian, 76 ; Joyce, 25.

Shortlancl... Kowe 775 Grey 751 Vogel 517 Coromandel 4 140 70 Taupo 5 17 5 Ohinemuri 41 09 95 Total 825 977 687