TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5214, 7 December 1877, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

(from our own correspondent.) Hawera, Thursday. A meeting of natives was convened to be held at Omuturaugi, between Kaupokanui and Geo, on tho 12th inst., to express an opinion as to surveying the plains. The feeling generally was in favor of doing so j but the action of tho present Government in stopping the survey has turned the feeling of the natives in tho opposite direction. Instead of agreeing to the survey they are now likely to ask that tho whole of the plains bo returned, under, the impression that tho Government will sanction such a request. Tho feeling amongst Europeans here appears to be somewhat divided. Some aro annoyed at the survey not being gone on with, wliilo others think it would have been best to have talked the matter over first with the plains natives. The aspect of affairs looks gloomy. Natives wh<T but a few days ago were apparently satisfied that the survey should proceed, now rise up in anger at the bare mention of the matter, aud regard Grey and Sheehan just now as their idols.

(PER PRESS AGH.NCV). Auckland, Thursday. There wero seventeen deaths in tho city last month. The Government are taking measures to .enforce payment of overdue fees on Crown grants. 3561 Crown grants are lying in tho Laud Office here, on which over £IO,OOO aro due. A letter in tho Star, signed by 3S steerage passengers from San Francisco, per Australia, complains strongly of the inadequate accommodation and badness and insufficiency of food. At tlic Waste Lands sale tb-day £4087 was received in scrip—only £l9 10s. iu cash. There was a great scene in consequence. There is a reported outbreak of the volcanic island of Mokoheuo, though many believe it is only fires made by natives who have gone there to kill mutton birds. Napier, Thursday. A magisterial inquiry into tho Woodville murder commenced this morning. The prisoner Hans Thomsen was defended by Lee and Cornford. The prosecution was con-

ducted by Inspector Scully alone, but' just before the Court rose, at 5 o’clock, Cotterill, the Crown Prosecutor, received instructions from the Minister of Justice to conduct the prosecution. The case was then adjourned till 10 to-morrow. Anini, niece of Keuata Kawepo, was married this morning to George P. Donnelly. Wanganui, Thursday. An inquest was held yesterday on the body of Louisa Claz-k, who was found dead in the river yesterday morning. A verdict of found drowned was returned. The deceased was a dressmaker ; she had bad health recently, and was subject to fainting fits. It is supposed that she fell into the river during a (it. She was last seen alive on Sunday night at church. Haweua, Thursday. A meeting of natives had been convened for the 12th inst., to be held at Omuturaugi, between Kaupokanui and Oeo. Subject of discussion—the survey of plains. It was thought that little or no objection would now be raised; but the stopping of the surveys has so elated the natives that it is feared that they ■null ask that all the confiscated lands be given back to them. European opinion is divided on the matter. Some are annoyed at the survey not being gone on with, while others think it would have been best to have first had a talk with the natives of the plains, and gradually persuaded them into the advisability of survey. There is no doubt a remarkable change has come over the native mind lately. Geei'mouth, Thursday. It has been blowing a perfect gale the last twenty-four hours, with heavy rain. Hokitika, Thursday. It has been raining all this week. There is a heavy flood to-day; the low-lying part of the town is covered with water. The Christchurch coach arrived last evening just in time before the flood set in. The Union Bank shipped per Alhambra 1887ozs. gold. Kumaba, Thursday. There is a heavy flood in the river here. A ketch and a pnut broke loose, and were washed out to sea. There is no communication with the other side. Christchurch, Thursday. At a meeting of shareholders of the Loan and Investment Company of New Zealand yesterday, it was resolved to accept, the proposal of the National Mortgage and Agency Company of New Zealand to purchase the business and securities of the first-named company for £IOOO, in addition to the amount of securities and accrued interest. The Italian Opera Company opened to a crowded house last night with “ II Trovatore.” The performance was a great success. Both papers speak highly of the various artists. The weather still continues dry. Kain threatened this afternoon, but unfortunately cleared off again. Tima.RU, Thursday. There was intense excitement yesterday afternoon re plebiscitnm as the time came near for the close of the poll. Members of the Ratepayers’ Association used their utmost endeavors against the Borough Council carrying the day, but all to no purpose. Shortly after the close of the poll the result was declared — For raising loan of £40,000 for water scheme, 228 ; against, 135. Majority in favor, 93. Levy, cornet player, appears here on the 19th and 20th. Tehdka, Thursday. The Tcnudca Leader was published yesterday. A banquet was given in the evening by the residents to Ivess. Fifty people were present, business men and settlers. The banquet was a great success. Rain has just commenced. Oamaru, Thursday. At the K.M. Court to-day, Henry Andrews, a revenue constable, was charged with perjury. The charge arises out of a case heard on November 23, when Andrews, giving evidence against Jno. Ooquin, hoarding-house keeper, charged with sly-grog selling, swore he saw two beer-engines in the cupboard in Coquin’s house. Coquiu now brought a case to prove that Andrews in so swearing committed perjury. Evidence was heard, and accused remanded till Saturday, but the magistrate said as a prima facie case bad been made nut he would on Saturday commit Andrews for trial at the District Court. Dunedin, Thursday. Kain has been falling in light showers all day, but there is no water iu the mains yet. The Harbor Board Engineer goes to Wellington to consult Mr, Blackett re proposal for a half-tide wall. Balclutha, Thursday. Heavy rain fell all night, and still continues. The ground is thoroughly moistened, and there is some apprehension of a flood to-night consequent upon the extreme heat yesterday and rain to-day. Lawrence, Thursday. Heavy rain has fallen during the last twelve hours, relieving the anxiety of the mnholders and farmers as to drought. There were large sales of Crown lands yesterday. The prices realised were very high in some instances, and all the sections were quitted at fair prices. Invercargill, Thursday. At a meeting of the Southland County Council yesterday, n proposal by Mr. McCanghan was carried unanimously, that the Government be requested to vest iu the Council power to nominate two members to the Southland Waste Lands Board, provision to be made for this in the new Act.