TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4133, 19 June 1874, Page 3

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

[Press Telegraph Agency.] Auckland, Thursday. Referring to the excitement created in tho Colony by tho Pail Mall Gazette article on gold in Samoa, the Star points out that Oonsxil Williams first brought tho specimens to Auckland —whore they were on view at tho Star office. It was then stated they were given him just prior to his departure from Apia, when ha was unable to verify the discovery. Doubts were then expressed regarding the genuineness of the find, on account of the resemblance of tho quartz to Thames stone, and the fact that the Green Harp swindlers levanted to Samoa, on route to America. Consul Williams promised on his return to Samoa to forward intelligence hack to Auckland if the discovery proved genuine. He then wont to Sydney, whence ho telegraphed the news to Earl Granville —who published it in the Fall Mall Gazette. The news it states is admittedly unreliable, and it is absurd that a furore should now he caused and vessels cliai'torod for Samoa about what was known in the Colony six mouths ago. The specimens exhibited hero wore tested by competent miners, and they were pronounced a fraud. In tho Police Court to-day Alexander Brown, charged with incendiarism at Hobson’s buildings, lias been remanded. Bail at £I3OO was granted. The steamer Star of the South took her departure to-day for the Southern Provinces, inaugurating tho new arrangement for the Fiji service. GnEimouTii, Thursday, In the District Court to-day, judgment was given in an action between the Borough Council and Hughes and McCarthy, lessees of the Brunner coal mine, to compel payment of £ll6 odd, promised as a contribution towards Mx\ Moriavty’s fee. Judge Harvey nonsuited the plaintiffs with costs, on account of tho action being premature, and on a point of ultra vires, which was likewise raised. The Judge was of opinion that tho Council had no right to enter into an engagement for services in connection with harbor works.

The Greymouth Coal Company have bottomed their main shaft, and have proved a seam fourteen feet thick. The coal is of excellent quality. A seam of first-class fire-clay underlies the coal, but its thickness has not been proved. Nelson, Thursday. The Governor sailed in tho Blanche at one o'clock. Ho intends, if possible, to call at Picton. The ball last night was a great success, and over 200 were present.