Telegraphic News.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 310, 30 March 1878, Page 9

Telegraphic News.

Feilding, Wednesday. Mr. Halcombe employed a sluicing party to prospect the Makino Creek at the place where the gold in the quartz specimen was lately found, and reports no more gold discovered. He thinks the Makino Creek is not auriferous at Eeilding. Auckland, Friday. H.M.S. Nymphe, with the Governor, returned from the Thames at half-past four. After the operatie concert to-night, the Governor, with Lady Normanby and Colonel Whitmore, will go t© Waikato, and will visit Hamilton, Cambridge, and probably Alexandra. At a meeting of Mr. Mackay’s creditors, fifty were present. The trustee said the estate had yielded 7s. 6d. in the pound to creditors included in the first deed of agreement. Mr. Mackay stated that the stoppage of land purchases had deprived him of the commission which would otherwise heve accrued. He had received £2105 in February, all of which, with one exception (£405), which he retained for personal expenses, he had remitted to the trustee. The Government still retained £4308 until vouchers were produced. In response to a resolution passed, Mr. Mackay made an assignment of his estate, which will be divided. 7s. 6d. in the £1 will be paid to those creditors who did not participate in the former dividend, and the balance to be divided equally amongst all the creditors. Evans, convicted of rape, on an old woman, received his second whipping to-day. At the inquest on three men drowned at Kaipara, a verdict of accidental death was returned. The Blanche brings news from Rarotonga of a dreadful huiricane at Paumoto. Fve hundred lives were lost, and many vessels were wrecked. A correspondent writing from Rarotonga on sth March says : —“ One of the society’s vessels has arrived from Tahiti, and reports that one of the Paumoto Lagoon Islands named Anan had been completely swept away by a hurricane and tidal wave. Houses, trees, stores, and inhabitants are all gone. Mr. Boosie, trading agent for Messrs. Branders, Tahiti, escaped with a few others. The greater portion of the group is devastated. Between 400 and 500 lives were lost, besides several vessels. An eye witness at Papete writes that the sea rose over the land, sweeping away everything. We retreated to the highest point, about 20ft. above the sea level. Fortunately, the cyclone abated when the water was within two feet of us. The Tahiti Government sent a man-of-war to the island of Kaukira, which suffered most, losing all the houses and boats. Branders lost three schooners, one cutter, twelve small boats, besides the whole establishment at Anan, The cyclone continued from the 7th to the Bth February. Saturday. Mr. Sullivan has declined the office of Inspector of Schools, and has also declined a testimonial. • Mr. Sheehan visits the Thames again next week. The Germans last night celebrated the Emperor’s birthday by a banquet. The verdict in the matter of the matter of the Mount Eden Brewery fire was that the fire was accidentally caused through a defect in the flue. The Governor probably opens the Taupo (?) railway. Monday. Mrs. Warren, a ladylike person, who came from Sydney some time ago with her husband, supposed to be a commercial traveller, was arrested, charged with attempting to set fire to Haslett’s boarding-house, Waterloo Quadrant, and stealing wearing apparel to the value of £BO, the property of Mrs. Laurie, another lodger. Mrs. Warren and Mrs. Laurie were on friendly terms, but on Saturday night Mrs. Warren’s room was found to be on fire in several places, while a quantity of valuable articles from Mrs. Laurie’s room were missing, Mrs. Warren ultimately confessed she had taken them. When brought before the Court this morning she fainted. She had to be carried out. The case was remanded. The Governor and Colonel Whitmore have gone to Waikato. Sheehan returns from the Thames to-night. Wednesday. A purse of sovereigns is to be presented to Captain Logan and Mr. Cogswell, of the Hero, oh their hundredth trip between Sydney and Auckland. The criminal calendar contains 12 prisoners and 17 charges, none of them serious. The City Council has accepted the tender of the National Bank for £25,000, supplementary waterworks loan, bearing six per cent, interest, at ninety-eight net. Levy and Goldwater have paid 15s. in the pound, and received their discharge. Thursday. The creditors of Lewis Bros, have resolved to vest the estate in trustees. Gisborne, Saturday. The Census returns are now complete, they show the population of Cook County to be, exclusive of natives, 2055. Of the native population over 600 are registered as voters. Agricultural statistics show in Cook' County about 80,000 acres under crop and sown in grasses. Tuesday. Sir John Coode will visit Gisborne by the end of April, re the proposed harbor improveBieat,

Graiiamstown, Friday. The banquet to the Governor and suite last night was as great a success as the proceedings during the day. Subsequently the Governor and party attended a grand ball, given by the natives to European friends, which was also a complete success. His Excellency expressed his great pleasure at the general manifestations of loyalty, and the cordiality of his reception. Alexandra, Monday. King Tawliiao amived here yesterday and was interviewed by Te Wheoro. It lias now been decided that the meeting witli Sir George Grey and the Native Minister will be held shortly. Te Wheoro accompanied the King and Te Ngakau on their return from Hikurangi, and will meet the Mokau natives who have arrived here. Taupo, Friday. A large meeting is to be held at Tol. no to-day re the passing of the Moliaka Block and other blocks partially gone into by Ju;lge Kogan at the last Lands Court held here. A party of friendlies have just gone into the King country, taking a large supply of European goods, having been promised in exchange cattle, pigs, &c. Barter of this nature has been for some time past very common. A heavy shock of earthquake was felt here at 3.30 this morning. Patea, Monday. On Friday the natives who had lately obstructed the survey at the Waitotara, and others interested, met Major Brown at Carlyle, ail active opposition having been withdrawn. All day was occupied in discussion, and at times it was very exciting, with no good results, the natives being unable to agree among themselves whether to accept the money offered or insist upon their right to 50,000 acres of confiscated land. The meeting was resumed on Saturday. Civil Commissioner Brown was willing to distribute about £3OOO, but held that the hindrances to survey and the destruction of bridges had cost the Government £4OO, which he intended to deduct. Late on Saturday terms were agreed upon, and an instalment of money paid, the Waitotora troubles being thus ended. The Manutahi and Mokoia natives, who for a long time had refused to forego their claim to land, also met Major Brovvn and received the sum allotted to them, seemingly satisfied that further opposition would only place them in a worse position. The settlement of these two troublesome questions will materially and beneficially influence operations respecting the Waimate Plains, and the Europeans are feeling more secure. Blenheim, Saturday. The own correspondent of the Express at Havelock wires this morning that considerable excitement is manifested at Havelock respecting the opening of a new terrace at the Wakamarini. The ground is deep. Another week will be required to test the ground properly. The prospectors have obtained one ounce to the tub by sieving. Tuesday. A special reporter, writing to the Express, says two other payable terraces have been opened at Wakamarina, between Deep Creek and The Forks. The prospect obtained at the previously reported terrace should be an ounce to each set of timber driven ; not “ per tub.” Nelson, Tuesday. Mr. Charles Kiernan, dentist, dropped down dead in a fit of apoplexy last night. Hr. Somerville is addressing crowding audiences here. Westport, Friday. A tremendous squall from the south-west struck the upper part of the town at seven o’clock last night, completely demolishing Stewart’s brewery, besides doing other damage Kumaha, Saturday. The Rev. G. W. Russell, Wesleyan minister, has received a threatening letter signed “ A Snake in the Grass.” ■-* Tuesday. Great preparations are being made by the Catholics for Father Hennebery’s procession to-morrow. There is some excitement in the town. The police force has been increased, and precautions have been taken against a disturbance. Wednesday. A procession of those who had taken the temperance pledge under Father Hennebery marched through the principal streets this afternoon—about 400, including children. The Hibernian Society were dressed in regalia, carrying flags, and wearing temperance medals. Hokitika, Friday. John Howe Hamer, late agent of-the Bank of New Zealand at Ross, was committed at the Resident Magistrate’s Court for trial at the Supreme Court on three charge's of embezzlement of bank funds. There are six other charges, which are being proceeded with, on all of which it is thought committals will take place. The total amount discovered to be short is a little over £IOOO. The defalcations commenced last March. At various times since then Hamer has granted fixed deposit receipts, and has not entered the amounts in the cash-book. There are also amounts entered in the customers’ pass-books, and initialed, which never went through the books of the bank. Out of the nine informations against Hamer, there were eight committals. Bail was allowed in two sureties of £SOO each, and prisoner in £IOOO. There are said to be other defalca tions, but the amounts are not stated. Wednesday. A great many leases for gold-mining have been applied for under the Mines Act, owing to the new quartz discoveries in the Kanieri and Taipo districts. In the Supreme Court, before the Chief Justice, Hamer was indicted on twelve charges

of embezzlement arul one of larceny. The Grand Jury brought in a true bill ; also true bills against Win. Miller, charged with wounding a cow, and on the same chai’ge against Timothy O’Leary. The latter case is now proceeding. J Lamer is expected to plead guilty. Ilis defalcations amount to over £2OOO. —Alfred J. Turning was acquitted of forgery, and pleaded guilty to the charge of uttering a spurious cheque for £9. He was remanded for sentence until to-morrow. Later. Timothy O’Leary, found guilty of shooting a cow, was remanded for sentence.— G. 11. Hamer, the bank agent, pleaded guilty to four charges, and not guilty to nine.—W. Y. Clarke, late police constable at Wliama, pleaded not guilty to three charges of embezzlement. The Grand Jury have brought in a true bill against Ryan for murder. Thursday. At the Supreme Court to-day Win. Miller, charged with wounding a cow, was acquitted. Hamer pleaded guilty to the other nine charges of embezzlement, and was remanded for sentence until to-morrow. Ryan’s trial for murder commeaces on Monday. Christchurch, Friday. On the Premier arriving at Akaroa on Wednesday, the Town Council presented him with an address. Subsequently the Premier addressed an open-air meeting. A resolution expressing confidence in him was moved. Mr. Waeckerle seconded it. Mr. Montgomery, M.11.R. for the district, supported the resolution. He said the cry had been raised that Sir George Grey was in favor of class legislation, but he (Mr. Montgomery) had seen nothing tending in that direction. Should he do so the Government whom he now supported would find no more uncompromising opponent than himself. The fact was New Zealand politicians were dividing into two great par- i ties—Conservatives and Liberals. The former desired the laws maintained which were eminently satisfactory to a few ; but the Liberal party, led by Sir George Grey, wished to see justice done to the whole people of New Zealand. The resolution was unanimously carried. The Premier was afterwards entertained at dinner, and attended the Presbyterian soiree, making a speech at each. The Board of Education has received a letter stating, in reply to a question, that the Government has no intention of making provision for the education of the deaf, dumb, and blind children. It is said the Premier’s idea respecting the future use of the old Provincial Council Chambers is that they should be set apart for a public library and reading-rooms. Haldon station, South Canterbury, comprising 5000 acres and 20,000 sheep, was sold yesterday to Mr. Price, of Timaru, for £22,500. The Hon. E. W. Stafford was entertained at a dinner at the Christchurch Club yesterday, prior to his departure for England. Saturday. The Lyttelton Harbor Board have unanimously decided not to undertake to pay a pro rata share of the expense of Sir John Coode’s visit to New Zealand, as suggested by the Government. The Board do not think it necessary to consult Sir John Coode respecting the harbor works. Mr. Clarke’s report upon the city drainage scheme will be published next week. Grain freight to London has been reduced to 30s per ton. Tuesday. There are eighteen criminal cases for trial at the Supreme Court, commencing Monday next. The City Council have arranged the terms of agreement with the Tramway Company for tramways through the city. At the meeting of the City Council last night, the division of the city into wards was proposed, but the opinions of the councillors were so strong against it that the proposal was withdrawn. The City Council, owing to the want of funds, are uuable at present to undertake any new works in the city. The body found in the Avon on Sunday proves to be that of James Wallace, a native of Wanganui, who was unwell on Saturday, but had not been drinking. There is no clue as to liow he came to be in the river. Thursday. Replying to insinuations from various parts of the colony respecting the strictures on Dr. Somerville, the Rev. J. Elmslie made a statement at St. Paul’s, Christchurch, last night, showing that Dr. Somerville was freed, on the application of the Glasgow Evangelistic Association, from the ministerial charge of the Anderston Church, Glasgow, with the special object of devoting himself to evangelistic work in the various part of the world. The Canterbury co-operative stores being a complete failure, tenders are invited for the purchase of the stock. The census returns at Akaroa show that the population in 1874 was 645, and in 1877, 642. At Lyttelton the last census gave 2974 inhabitants, and the new census shows 3476. At the Sehvyn County Council meeting today, it was unanimously agreed to adopt the resolutions passed at the recent conference of the Mayors and Chairmen of County Councils. A letter was read from the Colonial Secretary stating that the whole of the funds accruing in the County of Selwyn, up to June the 30th, would be apportioned to road boards, as though the County Council had brought the whole Act into force it cannot legally assume control of the funds till July. The Council decided to request the Government to reconsider the apportionment of the funds. The Board of Governors of Canterbury College to-day decided to enlarge the College building by erecting another wing. The Board appointed Mr. W. E. Ivory, of Australia, master of the model farm. The weather to-day lias been tremendously hot. Stephen Massett gives an entertainment here this evening. It is reported that the New Guinea expedition has fc?3ji abandoned.

Timaru, Monday. A singular occurrence took place on Saturday night. Three children belonging to Mr. Henry Gardner were playing on the beach near one of the landing services about dusk, when a man took one little girl, about five yeaas of age, in his arms and walked away with her. The other two went home, and the police were communicated with. Several men scoured the beach in the hope of finding the child, without avail, until about eleven o’clock at night, when Father Goutenoir took her home. The child states that the man took her to a shop and bought lollies for her, and then took her to some house and asked a woman to send her home. The woman refused. They then walked along the street, and a man driving a horse and cart took her and drove her to the Catholic church premises. They got out, and the man took her towards Father Gouteuoir’s. The horse started away, and the man left her. The child, knowing Father Goutenoir’s house, went to it and knocked. Father Goutenoir knew the child and took her home. At present the affair is wrapped in mystery. The Good Templar Lodges are urging members to 2->Lce their names on the electoral roll. Mr. Teschemalcer, M.H.R., addressed his constituents at Waimate this evening, Oamaru, Friday. The- Rev. Father Coleman, the Roman Catholic pastor of this district, has handed the following telegrams to the Eveniny Mail, in which journal they appear to night:— “Oamaru, March 21. To the Rev. Father Ilenneberry, Kumara. Kindly reply by saying whether you denounced mail - age between Catholics and Protestants as adultery, as stated by Press Agency telegram. William Coleman.” The following reply was received :—“ Kumara, March 22. To the Rev. Father ColemaD, Oamaru. The Press Agency telegram, stating that I have denounced marriages between Catholics and Protestants as adultery, is false. (Signed) P. Ilenneberry.” Wednesday. Cooper and Bailey’s Circus last night was largely attended. It is reported that the money taken at the doors showed an attendance of 1900 persons. This is said to be the largest audience ever had here. Dunedin, Friday. Professor Ulric, of Melbourne, has accepted the office of Professor of Mineralogy and Metallurgy in connection with the School of Mines. Monday. The last rail on the Blueskin section of the Northern Railway was laid on Saturday afternoon, so that communication is now couqilete between Dunedin and the Maori Kaik at Waikouaiti. There is still a gap of nearly a mile between the kaik and the township, but that is expected to be filled up by the end of the month. Coming southwards the rails are now laid to Shag River. The line right through to Christchurch will probably be opened early in April. Tuesday. The census returns for the city of Dunedin are just completed. The population of Dunedin within the limits of the municipal boundaries is 22,403; males being 11,605, females 10,888. Wednesday. The Returning- Officer has received a writ for the election of a member for the General Assembly for Port Chalmers, vice the Hon. W. 11. Reynolds, resigned. The nomination will take place on the 6th April, and the poll on 12th April. No candidate is yet in the field. Lawrence, Thursday. The weather for the past few days has been very favorable to harvest operations. In. all directions reapers are busy, and the pros pects of the farmers are looking better. If the weather continues fine for another week or ten days, nearly all the crops will be harvested. It is expected that the yield will be up to the average. At the Blue Spur mining operations are in full swing, nearly all the claims making full time. Considerable interest is taken in the result of the election of members for the Education Board of Otago. It is considered certain the two local candidates, Bastings and Frear, will be elected.