TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4799, 9 August 1876, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

(per press agency.) Graiiamstown, Tuesday.

At a conference of the local bodies last night, the Borough Council and the Waiotahi District Board were represented, to discuss Sir George Grey’s. separation resolutions. Resolutions were carried almost unanimously affirming the desirability of preserving the unity of the colony ; the,division of the colony into counties and municipalities for the purposes of local self-government, to bo subsidised from the Consolidated Revenue; and that such local government should have full control over its own affairs and revenues. Dr. ICilgour favored separation.

Napier, Tuesday. A meeting of the creditors of Kentish McLean has been held. Liabilities, £2300 ; assets, £7OO. An offer of ss. in the £ was made ; half-a-crown guaranteed by Kinross. A committee, was appointed to make enquiries and report in a week’s time, consisting of Blythe, Kennedy, Dinwiddie, and Campbell. The Colonial Bank is the principal creditor, for. £IBOO.

The Harbor Board to-day increased the secretary’s salary from £SO to £IOO. A letter was read from Krull and Co., suggesting that some jarrah piles be used with totara piles so as to test thodurability, &c.,of each wood, and recommending jarrah as the best. The secretary was instructed to write and thank the firm for letter, and to say that the timber contract was already let. Davis, of Henderson and Co., is here, and work will be commenced at once. A painful accident has occurred at the Spit. A carter was removing a large flywheel, when the crane chain broke, and a heavy mass of iron falling on his foot, cut off his big toe and otherwise injured the limb.

Hokitika, Tuesday. Marx, Spratt, and Co. sold the Freight Company’s boats to-day. They realised— Circe, £ll2O ; and Sarah and Mary, £970. Dunedin, Tuesday. The _ Darrels open at the Queen’s on Friday, and Little Nell comes through direct from Auckland to the same theatre.

The Tailors’ Association propose an amalgamated society for the colony. A chess match is on the tapis between six members of the House of Representatives and six city players. A correspondent to the Times points out that the total depreciation-in value of the New Zealand Shipping Company’s boats is £25,873, on thirte'en vessels. AUSTRALIAN SUMMARY. By the s.s. Albion, at the Bluff, wc have received the following Australian news to August 3 :

Melbourne, August 3.

The Financial Statement and Budget speech, with the expulsion of McKean, occupied the principal time of the Assembly during the last week. The Treasurer in his statement was .enabled to show a surplus at the end of last year of £52,000, instead of anticipated deficit of £IBO,OOO. This was brought about by excess of revenue received over estimates, and savings from unexpended votes. Berry and Service have found fault with the Treasurer's figures, and accused him of cooking the accounts and presenting false statements to the Parliament. The McKean episode occupied the greater part of two evenings, and his expulsion was resolved upon unanimously, although on a previous.division twenty members voted in favor of some milder form of punishment. Any middle course was, however, considered unadvisable by the majority.

The Java cable is said to be so much wormeaten that it is impossible for it to be again used.

Sir Charles Cavan Duffy is likely to be elected to fill the vacancy in the Assembly. The new Electoral Bill increases the number of members from 78 to 81; alters hours of polling from 9 a.m. to 8 a.m. ; and provides that the Legislature shall not close on demise of Crown; also alters several electoral districts, taking members from some and adding to others.

The Torres Strait Mail Company are ununfortunate with their steamers ; and this morning we hear of the Queensland having been sunk by the Barrabool off Wilson’s Promontory. All on board saved. McMeekan, Blackwood, and Co.’s steamers are to call once a month at Hobarton, en route for New Zealand, commencing this month.

Mrs. Scott Siddons is a great success at the Royal, drawing large attendances in Shaksperian pieces. Emilie Melville is still at the Opera House. The season closes shortly, when she will proceed to the country. Roberts has left for Sydney, whence he goes to New Zealand.

The new teas just arrived are selling fairly at Is. to 2s. O Jd.; New Zealand wheat, ss. 6d.; Bank of New Zealand shares, £lB 12s. fid. obtainable.