TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5038, 17 May 1877, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

(PER PRESS AGENCY.I Auckland, Wednesday. The Harbor Board has determined to invite applications from persons willing to furnish a steamtug for harbor work. CaiT and staff of Government surveyors proceed to the Waikv.to to-morrow to make a. trial survey of the Thames and Waikato iine. An English company has sent a special re • presentative to work the manganese mines. The tidal wave visited Mercury Island. Two cutters were driven ashore, but got off. The only damage sustained ashore was that part of a fence was carried away. A new Masonic Hall was opened at Onehunga last night. The Union Sash and Door Company have resolved to increase their capital to 30,000 shares of £5 each. A telegram has been received reporting the safe arrival of the brig Vision at Sydney, for repairs. Fears had been entertained for her safety. The Georgia Minstrels left for Napier in the Wanaka. They have had a capital season here and at the Thames. The Rev. Mr. Hay, Presbyterian clergyman, has accepted a call from Tauranga, and the Rev. Mr. Hill, of the Thames, at the Presbytery to-day expressed his intention to accept a call from Lyttelton. Communications from the Thames congregation paid high praise to the piety and zeal of Mr. Hill; and the members of the Presbytery also paid him a compliment. A resolution was carried that he proceed at once to Christcliurch to ba inducted. The Rev. Allan AVebb delivered a lecture last night on " Spiritism weighed in the balance."

The tidal wave was experienced at Port Charles. About 300 , logs, washed down by a fresh, were carried back up the creek. Some were carried over the banks. The tide rose and fell about eight feet every twenty minutes, and sometimes as much as ten or twelve feet. No serious damage is reported. Chmstchurch, Wednesday.

Tha meteor referred to in the telegrams from Auckland yesterday was seen in Lyttelton. Constable Bulles states that at about 1.30 a.m. on Tuesday he saw an immense meteor pass along the sky, appearing to remain stationary in mid heavens for several seconds, and then pass away to the southward. He reports it as being of a bluish color and of great brilliancy, and illuminating the whole of the sky, which was then quite starless.

The meetings re the drainage scheme, in the suburbs, have all endorsed the action of the Christchureh meeting in condemning Carruthers' scheme. Dunedin, Wednesday. The Waste Lands Board has resolved, subject to the approval of the Governor, not to re-lease any part of Fulton's run, consisting of 20,000 acres. A medical conference was held to-day re the barque Gloucester. It was decided to burn such portions of matting as had come into contact with the Chinese. The cargo was considered not capable of disseminating disease, and will be handed over to the consignees. The Chinamen now on Quarantine Island will be released as soon as provided with clothing and passed by the doctor.