Telegraphic News.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 319, 23 March 1878, Page 9

Telegraphic News.

Feilding, Saturday. A rich specimen of gold in quartz has been found in the Nakino creek, near Mr. Halcombe’s residence at Feilding, Manawatu. Auckland, Saturday. A destructive fire occurred at Fklen Terrace last night. Souter’s brewery and two houses were destroyed. The damage was great. Insurance, New Zealand office, £ 1300 ; Union, £874 ; National, £6OO. A steam thrashing machine was working at Whau, when a man’s foot was caught in the hopper by the revolving drum. The leg was afterwards amputated above the thigh, but the man expired. Monday. There was au alarm of fire on Saturday night. The fire was extinguished without any damage. The Ttotorna survey party from Waikato have been taken prisoners by the natives at Morolioro. Their theodolite and chains were taken and seized about midnight, while surveying by moonlight. The natives are very indignant at what they call a barefaced attempt to deprive them of' their land. The buildings destroyed by the late fire are Suiter’s brewery, office, aud outhouse; Watts’ five-roomed dwelling-house, and Taylor’s boot and shoe shop. The brewery cost £2SOO, and the plant £7500, and Mn. Suiter’s house £250. The following are the insurances:—Norwich Union —brewery £875, plant aud stock £400; total, £1275. New Zealand—stock and plant, £500; Watts’ house, £150; Taylor’s house, £150; total, £SOO. National —brewery, £6OO. Grand total, £2675. Two thousand children attended the Catholic School Fete at the domain to-day. The Governor, accompanied by the lion. Mx\ Sheehan ond Colonel Whitmore, leaves per Nymphe at mid-day on Wednesday for the Thames. His Excellency returns to Auckland in time to visit Waikautai early next week. Mr. Sheehan has postponed his visit to the Bay of Islands, in order to accompany the Governor. Tuesday. The New Zealand University to-day resolved to confer the following ad eundeni degrees:—B. A.: A de. Bathe Brandon, Cambridge University ; F. Rutherford Wadell, Queen s University. M.A.: A. Sorter, Cambridge; J. Mclntosh, Aberdeen. The Bowen prize was fixed at ten pounds in books. The Chancellor impressed on the Governor the desirability or a uniform matriculation examination throughout New Zealand. The Working Men’s Club will be opened by the Governor to-night, the Mayor presiding. The club room is very commodious. Wednesday. The Working Men’s Club was opened last night. The Mayor (president of the club) presided. His 'Excellency the Governor, Bishop Cowie, Mr. Sheehan, Judge Gillies, and Colonel Whitmore delivered speeches. The Governor, in referring to the facilities afforded working men to attain the highest positions in the colony, referred to Mr. Sheehan, who had deservedly attained his position by energy aud talent. Mr. Sheehan, in the course of his speech, said he regarded himself as a working man, and ivas the son of a working man, his father having been a journeyman carpenter at Auckland. He could point to many houses in the city that his father had assisted to build. The Governor aud suite were afterwards entertained at a banquet, at which they drank success to the club in champagne. The Governor, with Mr. Sheehan and Colonel Whitmore, proceeded to the Thames in the Nymphe. Several incipieub incendiary fires were discovered last night. In one instance an attempt was made to burn down a school building. Thursday. In reply to a deputation at Paeroa, Mr. Sheehan said the Government would not repudiate Mr. Broomhall's bargain if be kept his conditions. Samuel Atkins, of Fiji, writes cautioning people against going to Fiji, where the labor market is overstocked, and artizans and mechanics are frequently unemployed. Wages are 16s. a day for good tradesmen, but others are working as low as from Bs. to 10s. Rent is four times as dear as at Auckland ; meat is from 9d. to Is. per lb., and bread Sd. the 31b. loaf. At a meeting of the Eden County Council last night the funds were distributed, but the Act was not adopted. Lewis Brothers held a meeting of thencreditors to-day. Their liabilities on the 11th March were stated as follows: —Unsecured in Auckland, £5452 ; unsecured in England, £29,702 ; National Bank, secured to amount, £20,6-19 ; total securities held, £20,000. The estate is expected to realise seven and sixpence in the pound. A committee has been appointed to examine the accounts and to report to a meeting to be held on Wednesday next. Grahamstown, Monday. His Excellency the Governor is expected here about Friday to formally open the new county road to Ohmemuri. Bocal bodies are preparing to receive him. Probably a citizens’ ball or banquet will take place. The Maoris will take a prominent part. Colonel Whitmore is expected at the same time to inspect the volunteers. The Hon. Mr. Sheehan arrived from Ohinemuri to-day, and leaves for Auckland tonight. He lias been to Te Aroha to renew land purchase negotiations. He was favorably received here, and is expected to return in a fortnight. Wednesday. The Nymphe arrived this afternoon. The Hon. J. Sheehan and Colonel Whitmore will land to-night, and the Governor at ten o’clock to-morrow. Considerable preparations have Been niado to giys his Excellency a loyal re»

ception. The Harbor Board and the Borough aud County Councils will present addresses. Thursday. The Governor's reception was a most brilliant affair, tlie whole community, both native aud European, keeping holiday. The natives made a grand turn-out. The new country road, which was opened by the Governor, was decorated at intervals with triumphal arches. Business was entirely suspended. The Governor and suite, and the local governing bodies, were entertained at luncheon by the County Council. Tho Governor held a levee at four o’clock. There is to be an inspection of Volunteers by Colonel Whitmore at five, and a banquet and ball this evening. Ta u rang a, Wednesday. The Bay of Plenty Times urges the desirability of reporters abstaining from attending the forthcoming meeting between the Premier and the King, thus leaving Sir George Grey untrammelled in delicate negotiations. A section of the Arawas are doing their utmost to frustrate the sitting of the Band Court at Maketu in May. The Ngatikingunu have invited all the Bay of Plenty tribes to a great meeting at Napier on the 28tli. Ha we ua, Tuesday. Wilson took advantage of the natives’ absence at Parihaka, and impounded thencattle. It has created great discontent. Wednesday. Winks, butcher, lias been summoned on two informations, to appear on Monday next at the 11. M. Court, for knowingly and wilfully depasturing, without authority, cattle on the Waimate Plains. There is a strong feeling in favox- of the action taken by the Government. There are fourteen witnesses for the prosecution. Pate a, Saturday. Major Atkinson addressed a lax-ge number of his constituents last night. After some general remarks, numerous questions were put to him on local matters, which occupied much time, and for the most part his replies were satisfactory. A vote of confidence was passed. At Manutalii, on Thursday night, a similar vote of confidence also was passed. Tuesday. Nine tenders have been leceived for the Patea breakwater. The tender of Richards and Dixon, of Auckland, was accepted. It is to be finished in nine months. New Plymouth, Monday. The Parihaka meeting was held yesterday. A large number of natives assembled. Several Europeans attended, and were most hospitably received. A number of natives in . European costume amused themselves by dancing polkas, quadrilles, &c., to an accordeon played by a Maori. Te Kooti and a large number of chiefs were present. The natives had expected that the Hon. Mr. Slieehan would have attended. Iu the speech made by Te Whiti he said lie was in favor of adopting European customs except that of drinking, but the land question, he said, was to be spoken of another time. The natives appeared to be much disappointed that Mr. Sheehan was not present. Blenheim, Friday. Mr. Ward will not stand for Cheviot for personal reasons. The Marlborough County Council met to obtain certain information as to the revenue and expenditure. The feeling is strong against taking active powers. Nelson, Monday. In the District Court this mox-ning, before Judge Broad, Florence Joseph pleaded guilty to a charge of indecent assault, and was sentenced to six years’ penal servitude. Westport, Friday. Tendei-s are called for constructing a railway and self-acting incline for the Coalbrookdale Coal Company, Mount Rochfort. This will be an extension of the Wellington Company’s line, and will open up some of the best coal in the district. Gkeymouth, Monday. The races are postponed till to-morrow, on account of a fresh in tiie river having overflowed part of the course. Tuesday. A fire broke out in Green’s Hotel, Maori Creek, this morning, and destroyed Green’s Hotel and billiard-room, Walker’s boot store, the Good Templars’ Hall, Wilson’s shoe-shop, and Mrs. Brown’s fruit-shop. Green was insured in the South British, Walker in the New Zealand, and the Good Templars’ Hall in the Victoria. Thursday. A remarkable accident occurred at the races yesterday. A mounted constable had dismounted fi-om his horse, when the latter, in shaking himself, made a pistol in the holster explode, the ball of which struck a boy sixty yards away on the arm, and passed through another boy’s clothes without injuring, him, and finally lodging iu a third boy’s coat pocket. The occurrence was purely accidental. Kumar a, Tuesday. Father Hennebeiry, since bis arrival at the West Coast, has denounced marriages between Catholics and Protestants as adultery (?), the result being the separation of families and much domestic misery. He was strongly criticised by the Kumar a Times, and i-etorted by a personal attack on the editox*, who has commenced an action for damages, laying his damages at £IOOO. Most Catholics have withdrawn their subscriptions from the Times, aud Pi-otestants have doubled and trebled their subscriptions. It is feared that sectarian difficulties may take place, as the Catholics are being incited from the pulpit. Mr.Barff addressed his constituents, and received a numerous vote of confidence. Thursday. Father Hennebery, through au agent, opened a show in main street for the sale of candles, rosaries, &c., and was requii-ed by the police to take out a business license, which was done.

Hokitika, Monday. Mr. Homer, agent for the Bank of New Zealand, Ross, has been missing since Saturday. The inspector and Hokitika manager examined the agency books on Friday, and next morning the agent did not come to the office. It is believed that there is some deficiency in the accounts. Homer is supposed to be secreting himself about the disdrict. A warrant has been applied for by the bank for the arrest of Homer for the embezzlement of £lll. An excel lent specimen of quartz was bi-ought to town from a new reef at Kelly’s Creek, Taipo District, Christchurch-road. The reef is four feet wide, and gold is visible throughout. The prospectors have applied to lease the ground. A new seam of coal has been opened up between Hokitika and Ross, at the foot of the Bald Hill Range, about twenty miles from the Hokitika River. Six applications for blocks of laud 200 aci-es each have been applied for at the Bands Board Office in consequence of the discovery. Several prospecting parties are out through the district for gold. These are supported by sma’l weekly .subscriptions by the public. One party is on board the Maori to prospect the sounds south of Jackson’s Bay for minerals. A heavy gale has been blowing for the last two days. The Christchurch coach, due on Saturday, has not arrived. Tuesday. Homer, who was arrested at Ross, will be brought to Hokitika for trial on Friday. It is reported that his defalcations are considerable, extending since March last year. Sevei-al amounts abstracted are represented by false entries in tlie books. Thursday. Father Flenneberi-y’s remarks fi-om the altai-, respecting mixed marriages and other matters dealt with by him during his mission, are causing a great deal of ill-feeling between the Catholics and Protestants. The Rev. G. W. Russell has written a long letter to the Star on the subject, refuting a letter of Father Martin’s which had previously appeared. Mr. Russell was present on the occasion, and quotes Father Hetmeberry’s remarks as follows: “ Any ma-riage celebrated by a non-Catholic minister between a Catholic aud a non-Catholic was null and void ; and a marriage by a Registrar was no marriage at all ; and any Catholic marrying a non-Catholic, without a dispensation from the Catholic Church, and dying in that state, would go straight to hell.” The Rev. Mr. Russell adds to his letter, “ I am prepared to take an oath that those words were used, and numbers I could mention would do the same.” Lyttelton, Wednesday. Sir George Grey left iu the Hinemoa to-day for Akaroa. He did not speak in Lyttelton. Christchurch, Friday. A young girl, aged about 19, was found drowned in the Avon last evening. There was blood upon her pocket-handkerchief, and also on her bonnet. She has not been identified. Sir George Grey arrived at Christchurch at 5.45 p.m. Very few people were on the platform, but those present cheered vociferously. He wasaecompauied by Mr. Fisher, Postmastex--General, and the private secretary (Mr. Mitchell). He was driven in a drag and four to the Commercial Hotel. He will address the citizens at the Odd Fellows’ Plall at 7.30 tomorrow. At a meeting of the Selwyn Coxxnty Council to-day it was resolved to bring the Act into operation by five votes to one, tlxe only disseixtient being Dr. Turnbull. Messrs. Rolhston and Tancred were not present. Saturday. The young girl foixnd drowned has been identified as a domestic servant. The whole thing is considered very mystei’ioxxs. An inquest will be held to-day. An address was presented to Sir George Grey this morning by the Sydenham Borough Council. He receives several deputations on Monday. ~~ At tlxe meeting re New Cuiuea expedition last night, it was stated that 32 had already joined. ■ Tlie Canterbury ram and ewe fair, held during the last two days, was a great success ; but the ram fair was greatly overstocked. Prices all round were in consequence very low. Monday. Francis Cassidy, aged 21, was drowned whilst bathing in the Waimakariri yesterday. A first deposit of £lO a-side has been made in a walking match of 50 miles between Bowley aud Pentecost. The Premier visits Kaiapoi to-day to attend, by request, a public meeting to-night. A verdict of ‘•‘Found drowned” was returned by the juiry in the case of the girl Owens. Sir George Grey has been busy receiving deputations all day long. The sxxbjects being bi-ought xxnder his ixotice ai’e as follows : Recreation Ground at Sheffield, the extension of the Northern Railway, survey of branch lines in Canterbxxry, Good Templaiism, Christchurch municipal matters, the Sydenham Borough Council, and the hospital. In all cases the answers of Sir Geoi’ge gave satisfaction. The Sydenham Council presented an address from the burgesses of Sydenham. He said he had no time to answer it, as he left Canterbury as soon as possible. Tuesday. The Premier made a brief visit to Kaiapoi yesterday. He was presented with an address by the Town Council ; also invited to a luncheon in the evening. He addressed a public meeting at Woolstou, a small township in the Heathcote District, for which the Hon. Mr. Fisher is member. On the conclusion of his address, a vote of confidence in the Government, and pledging to support him ; also, a vote of confidence in Mr. Fishei - , with a Diedge to support him should a dissolution take place, was carried, with in each case only one dissentient. The list of members for the proposed New Guinea Expedition closes on Friday next.

John Nelson, a Swede, was killed at Be Boas Bay, by a runaway truck on the bush tramway. Edward Quarterman, nineteen years of age, was run over by an engine in the railway engine-shed last night. Both legs were badly fractured. The Premier visited Ashburton to-day. He will speak at a public meeting to-night, and visits Akaroa to-morrow, where Mr. Montgomery, who is member for tlie district, will also speak. "Wednesday. Edward Quarterman, who. met with an accident cm the railway on Monday, had both legs successfully amputated yesterday. The Premier addressed a crowded meeting at Ashburton last night. A vote of thanks and confidence was unanimously carried. Thursday. A conference of mayors and chairmen of county councils was held to-day, for the purpose of considering the question of tlie management of the hospital and charitable aid. Resoluti ns were carried to tho following effect :—That the conference does not see its way to accept the Government proposals in respect to the taking over the Christchurch hospital by tlie City Council, and that as regards the management of hospitals and charitable aid, the Government be recommended to form districts with boards, on which the Government, the municipality, and county councils should be represented, aud that as Christchurch hospital has no endowment the Government be requested to obtain an endowment for it. Timaru, Friday. Sir George Grey and the Ministerial party were interviewed by tlxe Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and the Harbor Board. After they had inspected the hospital, gaol, and public school.--, they left at noon for Temuka, with a large party of gentlemen, at the invitation of Mr. Hayhurst, who visits Milford lagoon. Thursday. The nomination of persons to represent Timaru in the place of Mr. Stafford (resigned) takes place on 9th April ; poll on 12th. A large number of visitors are here to-day to witness the races, which took place ou a course four miles from town. The weather is splendid. The Maiden Plate was won by Harlequin; Deceiver, 2nd ; Undine, 3rd. For the J. C. Handicap, Hippo and Bide-a-vvee ran a dead heat, Deceiver being 3rd. This was a magnificent race. Bide-a-vvee afterwards walked over, Hippo having pulled up slightly lame after the dead heat. Flying Handicap, of 50 so vs. —Isaac Walton, 1; Luna, 2 ; Titania, 3. A bad start was effected, Isaac and Buna loading about four lengths. On entering the straight, Titania tried to overhaul the leader, but failed, and Isaac won by a length hands down. Novel Race, of 50 sovs, distance 1J miles. —Malabar walked over. The Hack Race, of 10 sovs was won by Malabai-. Dunedin, Monday. The inquiry into the circumstances under which a child, found in a soap box at Blueskin, met with its death, was resumed at the hospital this afternoon. After some further evidence the coroner summed up, and the jury l’etiu-ned the following verdict:—“That the child died from suffocation by the hands of the mother, and that wilfully.” It is rumored that an action for libel will probably be instituted against the Evening Age, Dunedin, for serious l-eflections upon a certain alleged leader writer of the Evening Star. After the Judge’s summing up in Jones’ case the jury retired, aud after half an hour’s deliberation they brought in'a verdict of not guilty, and the accused was discharged. Judge Harvey was yesterday installed P.G.M. for the Middle Island. Aboxxt 300 Fi’eemasons vvei’e present, including visitors fi-om various lodges in the North and South Island. A banquet took place after the ceremony. Balclutha, Thursday. An extraordinary accident occui’red to Williams’ coach running between-, here and Clinton to-day. When near to the Waivvera, asliglit explosion occurred amongst the parcels, and immediately the coach was enveloped in flames. There were five passengers, who got out with difficulty. The horses were unhitched, and a portion of the mail bags saved. Only the ironwork of the coach remains. The cause of the explosion, or nature of the material that exploded, is unknown. Lawrence, Wednesday. The farmers in the neighborhood are busy pi’osecutiDg harvest operations. On Saturday the children of the district will be conveyed by rail to Bailey aud Cooper’s show. There is a likelihood of six hundred leaving Lawrence. Invercargill, Saturday. A meeting of the promoters of the company to be fonned under the District Railways Act to construct a line from Otautau branching to the Night-cap coal enclosures, on the way to the Waihu Valley, met this afternoon. It was resolved to apply to the Waste Lands Board for a pi'osixecting site on the Government Reserves at the Night-cap. A committee was appointed to inspect the reserve, and determine the best boundaries for a mining lease. A committee was also appointed to advise whoever might be appointed engineer as to the best route for the line to take. The meeting was numerous and influential. The Bank of New Zealand was chosen to be the bankers, and Messrs. MeDonal and Russell to be solicitors. £175 was subsci-ibed to defray the preliminary expenses of forming the company and surveying the railway route. Tuesday. Forty-four thousand salmon ova and fifteen hundred trout ova ai’rived to-day per Alhambra, being part of the consignment per Chimborazo to Melbourne. They have been taken to Wallacetown Pond, but the result of the inspection has not been ascertained. Sir S.

Wilson examined them, and in his letter of advice to Mr. Haward says that the ova in two of the boxes packed by Mr. Buckland only 270 are looking likely to hatch out. The boxes packed by Mr. Yoiile looked splendid, the ova being large and healthy.