TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5052, 2 June 1877, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

(PER PRESS AGENCY.) Alexandra, Friday.

The meeting at Hiknrangi was a failure in consequence of bad weather. There were only a few natives of any influence present. Tawhiao himself did not appear. A coachhouse, belonging to Mr. Auburn, storekeeper, was accidentally burnt down this morning. The adjoining buildings were saved, but a quantity of harness, &c., was destroyed. The property was uninsured. Auckland, Friday. Morton probably wins the silver cup in the chess match.

During the recent visit of the AttorneyGeneral the new Native Lands Bill'was finally settled. Mr. Whitaker’s proposals were accepted nearly without objection. The Act of 1873 is to he repealed outright, and the general scheme is to return to the policy of 1865, with amendments suggested by experience. The Government evacuates the land market, and will waive speculation to the public. Certificates of title are to be issued to owners, and they may sell or lease to whom they please at once ; but mortgages are forbidden. The general idea of the Bill is the absolute freedom of the Maori in territorial rights, and absolute freedom of land from Government interference. The duty is to be 30 per cent, ad valorem.

New Plymouth, Friday.

A public meeting was held last night re public works. The Hon. Mr. Fox was present and spoke. The following resolutions were passed:—“l.This meeting learns with deep regret that the continuation of the railway beyond Inglewood is not being formed with that rapidity that the community had a right to expect, and that even the moderate sums of money appropriated by Parliament for this purpose have not been spent. 2. This meeting reminds their representatives in Parliament, that it is their imperative duty to urge, iu the strongest possible manner, upon the Government, the duty of completing the line from New Plymouth without delay.” That a copy of the foregoing resolutions be given to each member ; this also was carried. Blenheim, Friday.

An important decision has been given in the Revision Court by District Judge Broad. He rules that the onus of proof of disqualification lies with the objector. Ten appeals have been lodged.

Christchurch, Friday.

The Press this morning says ;—We are informed that in consequence of information obtained by Captain McClutchie, at the Bluff, the s.s. Gazelle is to be sent back without delay to the Auckland Islands, and that Captain McClutchie intends forming a company on a small scale for the purpose of recovering the gold in the wrecked ship General Grant.

At the Magistrate’s Court yesterday, George Robertson, a half-caste, was again brought up charged with the abduction of Olivia Robertson, a half-caste, from Otago Heads. The father of the girl was present in Court, and said the prisoner was going to marry her. The case was dismissed.

Dunedin, Friday. The Taieri Council to-day decided to abolish tollbars in that district.

There is to be a temperance demonstration on Tuesday next. Drs. Stuart and Roseby and Mr. Stout are to speak. The expediency of getting the Local Option Bill re-introduced next session will be discussed.

The Customs revenue collected at the port of Dunedin for the past month is ,£28,871 ; corresponding mouth last year, £30,900. During the month of May 53 deaths, 133 births, and 41 marriages were registered in Dunedin.