Telegraphic News.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 232, 19 February 1876, Page 9

Telegraphic News.

Auckland, Friday. According to arrangement the chess match ■against Otago was to close on Wednesday night, so play was continued till a late hour In the morning, when the game stood :—Auckland, winner of five games ; Dunedin, only one. There was one game drawn and two unfinished. Auckland is thus the victor. The Dunedin in the unfinished games claim that they hold the best positions, but the Aucklanders refuse to recognise this. Confirmatory information from Waikato states that Wynyard reached Kuiti, and that he asserted his intention of going to Tuhua, thence to Wanganui or Wellington. Two prospectors, Barry and Albert Walder, proceed to prospect the Tuhua district, under sanction of the Provincial Government. A fire last night in High-street destroyed one of Porter's stores. It was insured in the Royal for £SOO, and other offices for £IOOO. Three other small buildings in "Vulcan-lane, belonging to Mr. Gisborne, of Wellington, and occupied by Campbell, shoemaker ; McMillan, blacksmith ; and Skinner, carpenter, were also destroyed. All the occupants of these were uninsured. The only insurance on the fire was £SOO on Forbes's stock. Gisborne's buildings were of little value and uninsured. Saturday. The schooner Peerless, the vessel which caused the row with Steinberger at Samoa, has arrived. Steinberger, after fortifying himself on shore, was arrested ; but defying the authority of the American Consul, the assistance of H.M.S. Barracouta, then in harbor, was requested. This was accorded, and eventually the schooner was seized, and by order of the captain of the Barracouta and the American Consul, was sold for breach of neutrality for carrying arms. A meeting of consuls aboard H.M.S. Barracouta (in consequence of numerous malpractices of the Samoan Government, in direct opposition to civilised laws) drew up a code of laws for protection and safety. These laws render all action of the Samoan Government against foreign subjects null and void, unless sanctioned by the consul to which the subject belongs. The Waikato Times of this morning states that the murderer Winiata was at the Merangi settlement on Wednesday last. _He slept at Whareapa on Sunday night, and arrived at Kuiti the following evening. He took the Piako-Waikato route on his way up. A King's orderly, who brought word to the settlement for telegraphic transmission to the Defence Minister of these facts, says he saw Winiata at Kuiti on the day he left. Winiata was then about to leave for Tahua. The King refused to give him shelter, and the King natives have no sympathy, but say there is no claim upon them to act as constables in enforcing the law. Monday. It is understood that the Grenada took the New Zealand mails and passengers from Kandavau to Sydney, notwithstanding strong protests against such a proceeding by the New Zealand mail agent. Blondin's farewell performance was attended by six thousand people. The San Francisco mail will be sent South in the Hawea to-morrow. Wednesday. The Ardrar, from Glasgow, brings the bulk of the water supply plant. Thursday. Seventy-nine steerage passengers left for Australia in the Hero to-day. They are understood to be mostly unemployed Thames miners. The Buna was to leave Onehunga at five p.m., for Nelson, to assist in the cable-laying operations at the shore end. Grahamstown, Tuesday. The Provincial Engineer says that unless more money be granted the men working on the roads will have to be struck off on Thursday. The Mayor urges upon the Government to continue the Mackaytown road through the Waihi Plains to Kati Kati. The Queen of Beauty have ceased working altogether again. Tatjranga, Saturday. The Bay of Plenty Times reports that the Tairua murderers have returned from Mayor Island to Katikati. There they are to be seen quietly attending to their potatoes and plantations. No attempt has been made to bring them to justice. Monday. Considerable feeling exists in the native mind touching the threatening attitude of the TJreweras to the Ngaiterangi tribe, demanding utu for Petra's murder. The Government officials here have bees, censured by the Press for the inefficient and imbecile manner in which the investigation of this murder has hitherto been carried on. Now positive instructions from head quarters have been received to prosecute the murderers, who are residing within a rifle shot of Geo. Vesey Stewart's residence at Kati Kati. Wednesday. The Times has a long leading article in reference to the Tairua murder, counselling patience and confidence in the policy adopted by the Native Minister, by following which course, and not precipitating matters, the offenders are sure to meet with their just punishment in the end. Alexandra, Tuesday. Winiata, the murderer, has not arrived at Kuiti, as reported in the Waikato Times.

Thursday. Winiata has not yet reached the King country. The authorities appear to have received information that he is in our neighborhood. A reinforcement of four constabulary has arrived, and are all on the alert. Napier, Saturday. The following are the facts of the alleged disturbance at Waitotara, regarding which there have been sensational telegrams in the papers :—A native named Tapu and some half-dozen other natives took possession of a piece of Mr. Dickie's land, which was bought at the last land sale. Major Turner, on seeing the "extra" about the matter, immediately started for Wairoa, accompanied by an interpreter, and saw the natives, who have no intention of interfering with any of the settlers, and are quite quiet, though they persist in asserting a claim to the piece of land in question. Tuesday. At the first meeting of the Napier Harbor Board to-day Ormond was elected chairman. By-laws were adopted, the same with some slight alterations as those of the Auckland Harbor Board. The plans of the Engineer-in-Chief for the proposed works at Port Ahuriri were produced, also Weber's estimate for their construction at £68,000. They will be considered at next meeting. Notice of motion for the appointment of officers, also at next meeting on 22nd, was given. At the regatta on March 17 it is expected that crews from Wellington and Auckland are likely to take part, if satisfactory arrangements can be made. The autumn horticultural show will be held on the 29th inst. Wednesday. Three immigrants, per the Hudson, were brought up at the Resident Magistrate's Court to-day, charged with broaching cargo. The case lasted all the day. The men were discharged. There was strong suspicion, though no actual guilt was proved. New Plymouth, Tuesday. Michael Daveney and William Bitten, two old men, have been found dead in their beds. Wednesday. The representatives for the prize firing are Elder and Gilbert, both A. C.'s. The sales of land for January are valued at £2381. The Luna with the Governor passed here at noon. Owing to the Government not taking notice of the petition relative to the heavy charges on the railway wharf at the Waitara, the captain of the Go-Ahead refused to land-goods there, and carted them to the railway station at his own expense. There are great complaints that no Sunday trains run. The matter has been represented more than once to the Government, but no notice has been taken. Thursday. Mr. Davies, C.E., of Brogden and Sons, is lying dangerously ill. The cavalry fired for district prizes yesterday :—P. Curtis, . 58 ; G. Sampson, 48 ; F. Sampson, 42 ; S. Barriball, 35. In competitive firing for choice of representatives the scores were—Elder, 183 ; Gilbert, 182. Elder tied for championship at Thames last year. Nelson, Saturday. Passmore, Superintendent of Constructed Railways, is an enforced passenger to Melbourne per Omeo. Wednesday. The cable steamers are in sight. When first sighted they were coming from the direction of Schroder's Mistake. They steamed slowly down until they reached the outer anchorage, where they now lie. The pilot boat has not yet returned, so there has been no communication yet. Cross, the pilot, went out in the steamer Bady Barkly last night to meet them ; but as she has not returned, she is supposed to have missed them. The Tui went out at one o'clock, but stood across the bay at once, and she also missed them. Thursd* The cable steamers Hibernia and Duke of Edinburgh are now lying at anchor. They report fine weather and no mishap throughout. About sixty miles from the landing place the cable was cut and buoyed, and the steamers sail this afternoon for Schroder's Mistake, where, weather permitting, they will at once commence paying out the shore end, which is very heavy, weighing ten tons to the mile They hope to complete the connection within 14 hours after starting. The Lady Barkly and Tui are still away, the latter having Dr. Lemon and Mr. Shapley on board. The Ge neral Government despatched the Wallace in search of them. 2 p.m. The cable steamers sailed at 1 o'clock for Schroder's Mistake. A strong N.W. breeze is blowing now, and it is thought they will have to wait for the weather to moderate before commencing to land the shore end. Constant communication was kept up with Australia on the passage, and they were informed on the way of the splicing of Cook Strait cable. There are no signs yet of the Lady Barkly or Tui. Reefton, Tuesday. In the case of the Independent Company versus Energetic Company, tried in the District Court, the reporter of the Inangahua Herald was refused admission to the court. Greymouth, Saturday. A large mail bag, weighing about 140 pounds, dropped from the mail coach on Thursday, near Nelson Creek, sixteen miles from town, while in transit to Greymouth. An active search has since been made, but without finding any trace. The police suspect certain parties. The bag contained a miscellaneous mail for all parts of the colony and Melbourne. Mr. Cox, General Government geologist, has made valuable discoveries in the southern parts of the province. He found copper ore, iron, and slate in abundance. He ascended

Mount Cook to an altitude of 7000 feet, which is believed to be the highest elevation yet reached. He states that he found inexhaustible quantities ; in fact, solid cliffs of iron ore containing fully 75 per cent, of mineral; also slate equal to the best Welsh. Mr. Cox, geologist, has since returned from the South. He declines to confirm the reports which preceded him, and which as regards iron and slate are unreliable. He reports only to the head office of the department. Tuesday. There is no further trace of the missing mail-bag. Diligent search is going on. The Government offer £25 reward for its recovery, or information leading to the conviction of the robbers. Hokitika, Tuesday. The West Coast Times, commenting on Hoos's letter re Jackson Bay, says that hitherto, notwithstanding abundant baseless talk, influenced more by commercial or political jealousies than by instincts of humanity, not a single word of complaint has been communicated to the local Press, either by persons in Hokitika or Jackson Bay. The Press has not' been furnished with, nor is able to discover, a single fact in connection with the settlement to justify any such sweeping charge as that its management is a scandal. It hopes the author of the statement and secret custodian of "nice things" will have an opportunity of proving and divulging other things. It hopes that facility will be afforded for thorough investigation of every individual complaint, and that the Government agent here and resident agent at Jackson Bay will insist upon it. It describes the conclusion of Hoos's letter as conveying a grossly false impression by saying Mr. Bonar provides all communication and necessaries. Mr. Bonar has no proprietary interest in the steamer, and supplies are obtained from others in the ordinary way of trade. The only substantial complaint made is as to the high cost of provisions. Christchurch, Eriday. Stoddart, the fireman of the engine at the late railway accident on the White Cliffs branch line, died last night. The grain crops are beginning to come in. The grain is in splendid order and yields are large. A heavy north-west gale blew to-day, and took the roof off Wilson's large circular marquee. The new one made in Auckland was blown to ribbons. The Christchurch Artillery defeated the Dunedin Artillery in the rifle match. The scores were—Christchurch, 626; Dunedin, 622. Saturday. At the inquest on the body of Stoddaxt, the fireman who died from injuries received by the late accident on the Whitecliff branch line railway, the engine driver said when nearing a curve he felt the engine jump slightly -as if there was an inequality in the rails, and put on full steam in hopes of getting over it. After going a chain round the curve the engine ran off and fell over the embankment. Warner, the engineer, said it was a mistake to put on full steam, as there was an incline at the curve, and the' driver should have put on his break. The jury returned a verdict to the effect that Stoddart's death had been caused by the engine driver not putting on the break when descending the incline. Tuesday. The driver on the engine at the time of the late railway accident on the Whitecliff e branch line has been suspended. Mr. Carruthers, Engineer-in-Chief, has been elected consulting engineer to the Christchurch District Drainage Board at a salary of £SOO per year, exclusive of the usual percentage on the cost of works carried out ; and Napier Bell, late of Brogdens, has been appointed working engineer at £BOO per annum. Port Chalmers, Friday. The Hon. Mr. Richardson inspected the railway works at Deborah Bay yesterday. Dunedin, Friday. On Monday Mr. Richardson inspects the Waitepeka deviation, Mataura and Clutha line. The Jockey Club Committee sat on the broken rail last night. The rail appears _ to have been broken, and afterwards hacked with a sharp instrument. The committee passed a, resolution that the rail had been broken accidentally. Wheat is in good demand up to 4s. 9d. for prime samples ; medium, 4s. to 4s. 4d.; oats lower, and quoted only at Is. lOd. to 2s. for best lots. Share market quiet ; prices unaltered. G. H. Campbell is remanded till Monday. The person from whose information the warrant was issued was absent. The prosecution will have to consider whether they will swear a new information. The Guardian and Soutliem Mercury will be sold by auction on the 26th inst. Monday. Campbell has been remanded for eight days, pending news from Reeves the prosecutor, who is now in Victoria. Next Saturday the eleven who played Canterbury meet fifteen. Steele and Keogh state their receipts to be £18,000; expenditure, £20,000. The theatre is closed till De Murska arrives. Dagg has challenged Robertson, the Maori wrestler, for £IOO. The Harbor Board has extended the time for receiving tenders for the wharf extension to 15th March. At a special meeting of the City Council to-day, to consider the question of the continuance or removal of the fever hospital on the town belt, the following resolution was carried: —" That when the present epidemic of scarlet fever has passed the Council will take into consideration the desirability of removing the hospital to another site." Tuesday. Owing to the neglect of the Temperance Hall Company to provide proper means of exit, the City Council for some time have refused to license it. The Marrionettes are therefore

performing without'license, and the Council nave determined to take proceedings against the hall company. The Council have refused to give free gas to the Athenaeum. The Marrionettes had a crowded house last night, and proved successful. They are clever, and absurdly ridiculous. De Murska's agent expects her by the Albion. Wednesday. The agitation re street tramways still continues. The Marrionettes have left the Temperance Hall, and open at the theatre to-night. Mr. G. F. Reid, forwarding agent, died suddenly in his office between twelve and one this afternoon. He had not been in good health lately. Thursday. At the inquest on Reid a verdict of death caused by strychnine taken in a fit of temporary insanity was returned. At the meeting of the benevolent institution, the president said the most pertinacious demands were made by Cork workhouse women, who had been immigrants. They immediately throw themselves on the institution, being accustomed to receive charity. The harbor board has accepted Sparrow and. Co.'s tender for iron hull for steam dredge—£76so. Reid's life was insured for £3OOO in the Government office. Matilda Smith, wife of Edmund Smith, manager of the Savings' Bank, from whom she is separated, went to his house and made a disturbance, refusing to leave. She was summoned to the City Court, and ordered to be bound in her own recognisace to keep the peace for six months. Under advice, she refused and went to gaol. The case caused great sensation.