TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5045, 25 May 1877, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

(per press agency.) Auckland, Thursday. The volunteers, including the artillery with 6-pounders, cavalry, infantry, and three bands —an aggregate of 300—-marched to Epsom and fired a royal salute and feu dejoic. They then marched past, Major Lusk in command. After the corps were dismissed to their private parades skirmishing and blank artillery practice were gone through. Taupo, Thursday. Baker and Farron arrived here last night per coach, and gave a dramatic entertainment. They left this morning for Ohiuemutu. Mr. James Mackay is on the west side of the Lake, negotiating private land sales for parties from the Southern Island. No native news. Weather good. Timaru, Thursday. A frightful accident happened at the firing of the Royal salute to-day. A gunner named Wallis, Timaru Volunteer Artillery, loaded a gun, and, when the order to fire was given, forgot that he had loaded, and made as if to load again. The firing gunner did not see him, and pulled the lanyard. The gun was fired, and blew Wallis’s arm off, severely injuring the right side of his head as well. He now lies in the hospital, with little hope of recovery. Mr. Anderson, an old settler at Otaio, died suddenly this morning. Christchurch, Thursday.

There was a public holiday to-day, but no volunteer or other demonstration to commemorate the Queen's Birthday. In Lyttelton some little excitement was caused by no holiday being given to the men employed in the railway sheds and on the wharf. At a conference of city and suburban school committees last night it was resolved that it is desirable to establish secondary schools in suitable centres, as thereby the education of more advanced classes in elementary schools would be more efficiently conducted and more econocally carried on ; al»o, that pupils pass examination in Standard VI. before being admitted to such schools.

The Hon. E. Richardson, late Minister for Public Works, laid the foundation-stone of new public buildings to-day. He delivered a short address. There were not many persons present. The Mayor spoke briefly, expressing regret that no provision was made in the buildings for Resident Magistrate’s Court.