TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5211, 4 December 1877, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

(FROM a COKIIESrONDHNT.) Patea, Monday. The surveyors were to have commenced the survey of the Waimato Plaius to-day (Monday), but they have been suddenly discharged and the work suspended. It is reported that the Government is going to abandon the confiscated land, and the effect will be most disastrous. All was going on well j but the action of the Government will upset and ruin everything. (PER PRESS AGENCY.) Auckland, Sunday. Mr. Crispo, an old settler at Mauku, is dead. A fracas occurred on the wharf on the departure of Mr. Hurst, the Mayor, per mail steamer. Hurst said that even George Stains .would not refuse to give him a parting cheer. Stains, instead of cheering, poured vials of wrath in abuse. Brett, the Mayor elect, rein matrated, and Stains became furious. Then Perkins remonstrated, and Stains called him a sanguinary perverter of the truth. Perkins’ fist came into contact with Stains’eyes and nose. Perkins was arrested next day, and was

fined £l, leaving Stains to pay his own costs. The magistrate remarked that had he been in Perkins’ position he would probably have acted in the same way. A farewell address and a massive silver centrepiece were presented to Mr. Hurst, the retiring Mayor, before hia departure per mail steamer. Prank Hall, of Mangawai, settler, was thrown on the racecourse on Saturday. His jaw was damaged, several teeth were knocked out. He was taken to the hospital insensible. He has since recovered'sensibility. The Herald to-day compares Stains’ assault case with Maekay’s, to show exceptional treatment. A meeting at Ta Awamutu passed a resolution of sympathy with Sir George Grey, and calling upon Mr. Oox to resign his seat, as having voted against the wishes of his constituents. Patea, Monday. The survey of the Waimate Plains, under Civil Commissioner Brown, had been arranged to commence to-day. It is reported that the surveyors engaged to do the work have been discharged, and that the confiscated land is to be again given up to the natives. The complications commenced at Okotuka. It is further stated that the natives on the plains have received a telegram from Wellington stating that the Government had not authorised the survey. Masterton, Monday. At a meeting of the delegates representing the cricket club held at Greytown on Saturday an association for the whole district was formed. Mr. C. R. Bidwell, president; Messrs. J. P. Bussell and J. G. Bockel, vice-presi-dents. An inquest was held this morning on the body of a man named Lough, well-known at Wellington. The medical evidence showed that his lungs were diseased, and a verdict accordingly was returned. Gisborne, Monday. On Tuesday last a native meeting was held at Waiapu, with respect to selling and leasing lands in that district to Europeans. The meeting also considered proposals made by the officer of the district, Captain Porter. ' The proposals were that the natives should sign a long printed document forwarded to them by Captain Porter for signature, conveying to him absolute power of carrying on all negotiations between the Maoris and private purchasers in respect to lands in the Waiapu District. In the course of the discussion a further proposal from Captain Porter, that two natives should be appointed by the people to assist him in the matter, was referred to. A letter from the Reverend Ramiera, of Kawhia, dated November 21, 1876, beginning “ 0, my loving parent,” and,concludiug, “Prom your loving child, from Porter," was read. It urged that the adoption of the proposals submitted would place the natives on their guard against dealing with Mr. James Mackay, and warned them that the native interpreter had no “ngaku oroha” to the Maoris of Waiapu, and would work utterly regardless of the interests of the native landowners. Intelligent natives from surrounding settlements were present, and successfully opposed the sigumg of the document conveying the management of the land to Porter. Except the loving parent the scheme was unanimously rejected. The natives south of the Waiapu River are anxious for their country to be opened up, and complain loudly of the delay occasioned in prosecuting surveys. The chiefs are communicating with the Native Minister, and urging the carrying oh of surveys as early as possible. Blenheim, Monday. The following are the nominations for the Marlborough Cup :—Mr. G. Redwood’s Rata, ch g Orange Lightning, and Flirtation, Mr. Mr. Bowen’s Doncaster and Septimus, Mr. Bolton’s Lara, Mclvor’s Tan Firm, Stevenson’s Strongbow and Mamama, Smith’s Treason and Satellite. Hokitika, Monday. James Morris, alias Smith, pleaded guilty to a charge of larceny in stealing a saddle and bridle, and was sentenced by the District Court to eighteen months’ imprisonment. Annie Spencer, convicted of unlawfully wounding, was sentenced to four months. The Hon. J. A. Bonar was presented by the Mayor, at a public meeting in the Town Hall, with a silver epergne, costing 200 guineas, from the inhabitants of Westland, in recognition of his long and valuable public services. Chuistchouoh, Monday. The agent for the Italian Opera Company has met with great success here. A very large portion of the seats are already engaged for the season. At a largely attended public meeting at Araberley a resolution was carried, urging on Government the necessity of extending the Northern railway at least fifteen miles northward from Amberley. It is said that the Rev. Father Henneberry, Catholic Mission Priest, has during his short stay induced about 3000 persons to take the temperance pledge. Yesterday over 2000 of these, decorated with medals and sashes, and carrying flags, marched in procession through the principal streets of the city. Ashburton, Monday. At the special meeting of the Ashburton County Council the members unanimously resolved to bring the Act into operation. Timaru, Monday. The continuous drought is seriously felt ; everything is drying up. Yesterday prayers for rain were offered up in church. A serious accident occurred yesterday afternoon to Miss Cornelius, who was riding on horseback near the Washdyke, when her horse fell, throwing her underneath and severely injuring her. She remained unconscious until early this morning, but is now doing favorably. Oamabu, Monday. The raid against sly grog-selling continues. At the Resident Magistrate’s Court to-day Jas. Ilobertson was fined £lO. The magistrate inflicting the fine said he would make the penalties higher when the next case came before the Court. Dunedin, Monday. The Morning Herald made its first appearance this morning. Special prayers for rain have been offered at St. Joseph’s and the Synagogue. A special meeting of the City Council will be held to-day re the water supply. One hundred of Messrs. Hallensteiu’s bauds have been knocked off owiur to the stoppage of the water supply, and 200 are on half-time. There is great distress through the want of water, and the crops are suffering everywhere. A telegram received here says Dr. Somerville loaves Sydney for Auckland by the January mail. The premises of Simpson, baker, Cumber-laud-street, have been destroyed by fire. Insurance— £270 in the South British, £2OO in the United Sydney office. The Herald says it has the most reliable authority for stating that Angus, the father of Isabella Angus, has given instructions to stop further proceedings in the case of Regina v. Proudfoot.