TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4586, 1 December 1875, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

(from odb special cobrespondents.) Masterton, Tuesday. The first show held in Greytown' came off today in the Hall with great success. The exhibits were, as a whole, numerous and most creditable, and the specimens of local industry, in the shape of jams and pickles, were excellent. Cut flowers and bouquets were of a class that would not have disgraced Wellington, and the vegetables were better than, those usually shown in the .Empire City. Strawberries were simply magnificent, and made one wonder why those on sale in Wellington should -be imported from Auckland, sold so dear, and be such tasteless fruit. Two or three exhibitors absorbed the prizes. Mr. Barnet took first prizes for the best general collection of vegetables, for turnips, lettuces, cauliflowers, cherries, gooseberries, twelve cut flowers in bloom, and kidney potatoes ; and second prizes for cabbage and brown potatoes. The Messrs. K.emptons, senior and junior, had first prizes for rhubarb, cucumbers, round potatoes, bacon, peas, and strawberries ; second prizes for strawberries, beans, turnips, and radishes, besides. special prizes for apples and radishes ; also first prize for salt butter. Mr. Brookes had first prizes for cabbages, carrots, and asparagus, and a prize for cut bouquets. Mr. Barnet had a special prize for potatoes, as had also Mr. Candy. Mr. Shaw took first prize for fresh butter ; Mr. Barnet second. Mr. Pharazyn got a special prize for pot plants ; Mr. Brookes first for flower stands, and Mr. Halliday first for cactus. The judges were Messrs. H. H. Jackson, W. W. Macardle, and W. Booth, senior. Mr. J. Peyton acted as hon. sec., and to his courtesy are due these particulars of prizes, kindly given during the quarter of an hour that the coach waited at Greytown. The Greytown show promises to be a success. There are 35 entries for horses, 16 of shorthome, 18 of other cattle, 53 of sheep, 5 of pigs, 7 of poultry, and 12 of implements. The weather, which was very wet in the early part of the day, has quite cleared up, and promises to be fine to-morrow. Westport, Tuesday. •

The Colliery Reserve Commission was formerly opened on Monday, and resumed to-day, when the first cases were taken. Though little understood elsewhere, the matter is one of great interest here, involving, as it does, the right to the whole town of Westport, which is situate upon what is known as the coal reserve. The reserve was set apart in 1863, shortly after the discovery of Mount Rochfort coal mine by Dr. Haast. The importance of the mine being recognised, the coal reserve was pegged off by Government as a site for wharves, but when Nelson south-west goldfield broke out a portion of the reserve became the township, and was speedily built upon under business licenses. The persons so occupying were one by one “washed out,” until at the present moment there remains but one business place as a relic of the Westport of seven years ago. In lieu of sites washed away the Nelson Government granted other sites on the upper part of the coal reserve, and generally handed over the reserve upon which the township stands as security, under the Immigration and Public Works Act, for the construction of the Mount Rochfort railway. The inhabitants have built upon the strength of their agreement with the Provincial Government. Rights to the extent of .£60,000 have grown up, and they are discoveringnowthe insecurity of theirtonure. The people feel greatly aggrieved. It is alleged that the Provincial Government has acted ultra vires all through in dealing with the reserve. The General Government simply desire to take possession of their security, or to allow the occupiers to remain at fair rental. The Commission is instructed to recommend explicitly in what way each claim or liability should be dealt with, in accordance with justice to the individuals concerned and to the interests of the colony. The whole thing is a pretty “kettle of fish.” The story begins in the somewhat familiar refrain “ This is the house that Jack built.” Then goes on till the investigation is landed in hopeless confusion. This is the web the Commissioners have to unravel. The sitting will occupy from a fortnight to three weeks. The residents have confidence in the ability and impartiality of Judge Weston and Warden Beetham, whose decision will, according to general opinion, be accepted as a final settlement of the matter, whatever it may bo. (PER PRESS AGENCY.) Auckland, Tuesday. Tenders for the construction of a graving dock were opened by the Harbor Board to-day as follows :—Henderson, of Brogden and Sons, £90,787; Owen Jones and Co„ £99,591 ; J. A. Ovorend, £110,814; Richard Dickson, £121,000; David Proudfoot, Dunedin, £130,000; John Taylor, £139,900 ; Smith, Eiulayson and Co., Loudon (informal), £163,800. Referred to Works Committee for report. Mr. Hamlin, chairman of theProviucialCouncil committee, announces himself a candidate for the representation of Franklin. Ho stands with H. H. Lush in Sir G. Grey's interest. Nelson, Tuesday. The Supreme Court opened to-day. There are five cases, but only one of a serious nature, namely, xmuatural offence.

Chmstchuch, Tuesday. C. E. J. Stevens, one of the candidates for the city of Christchurch, addressed the electors last night, and announced himself as a strong centralist. Bluett, member for Coleridge, addressed the electors at Ashburton. He spoke in favor of abolition. A resolution, expressing dissatisfaction" with liis conduct in the Assembly, and declining to support him at the election, was passed. Wilson, also an abolitionist, is the favorite candidate for this district. Two fires occurred in Christchurch yesterday. The Imperial Office loses £SOO and the Batavian £750 by them. Tisiaeu, Tuesday. Mr, Wakefield addressed the Geraldine electors last night. He, declared himself an abolitionist, and opposed to separation. A large meeting unanimously passed a vote of confidence in the candidate. Wilson, one of Wakefield’s opponents, spoke against him, denouncing him as an advocate of the squatters, but he was laughed at. It is proposed that all three candidates should meet the electors together, but it is doubtful if they will consent to do so. Riverton, Tuesday. Mr. J. L. Macdonald, ex-Mayor, announces that he will deliver a lecture on the political aspect of New Zealand on Saturday. It is supposed that it is intended as “a feeler” to see what reception he would receive as a candidate. Mr. McGillivray intends addressing the electors next week, to review the affairs of the past session, and to give an account of his stewardship ; but "will not come forward again for reelection, unless requested by an influential number of the constituency. Dunedin, Tuesday. After ten days of incessant rain the morning broke beautifully. The sun, which had not been seen for a week, shone out brightly, and a cool N.E. breeze made the weather lovely for pleasure-seekers. The day is a general holiday, and the bulk of the people attended the races. The course is in splendid order. The first event on the programme was the Maiden Plate of 40 sovs. One mile and a quarter. Eight entered and seven came to the post, Pakeha being scratched. Blue Peter and Steamer stood best in the betting. A good start was effected, but after going a quarter of a mile Steamer and Peter went ahead, the rest tailing off. Coming up the straight the second time Steamer pushed ahead, and passed Peter 50yds. from the post, winning by half a length. Miss Morris, Mischief, Blair Athol, Miss Alfred, and Yeoman also ran. Time, 2m. 17s. The St. Andrew’s Handicap of 100 sovs., added to a sweepstakes of 3 sovs. Distance, one mile and three quarters. D. O’Brien’s Tambourini, 9st. 61b., Ist ; Yeend’s King Philip, Bst., 2nd ; Paterson’s Pertobe, 7st, 81b., 3rd. Betting—2 to lon Tambourini, 2to 1 against King Philip, 3 to 1 Pertobe and Kathleen, 4to 1 Celceno. There was a good start. Pertobe took the lead and kept it tor the first half mile. Coming up the straight the first time the lot closed and passed the post in a cluster, when Tambourini shot ahead, with King Philip close on her quarters, Pertobe being third. This order was maintained till the second time coming up the straight, when King Philip challenged Tambourini, and a splendid race ensued, both flogging, and after an exciting neck and neck race O’Brien landed Tambourini a winner by a head ; King Philip second, and Pertobe third. Time, 3m, 29Js. The Selling Race was won by Euclid, hands down. Time, 3m. 6s. The Spring Handicap, of 50 sovs. One mile and a quarter, the winner of the St. Andrew's Handicap to carry 71bs. extra. A. Smith’s Wee Lad, 7st., Ist; H. Yeend’s Rory O’More, 2nd; Paterson’s Blue Peter, 3rd. After a number of false starts the lot got away on even terms, but Blue Peter and Wee Lad were to the front all through ; Rory O'More made his effort at the distance, but waited too long. Time, 2m. 22|s. Half an hour’s delay at post. The betting was even on Rory, 3to 2on Wee Lad. Pertobe and King Philip were scratched.