TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5275, 20 February 1878, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

(PER PRESS AGENCY). Lawrence, Tuesday. A meeting was held last evening in the Athenteum, for the purpose of appointing a committee to arrange fur a suitable reception for J. C. Brown, M.H.R., on his return from the North Island. It was decided that a public banquet should be given on his return. There is some likelihood of Sir George Grey being present. It has been resolved to hold races on two days following St. Patrick’s Day. Heaps, who was accidentally killed on Friday afternoon, leaves a wife and five children almost unprovided for. Great numbers of newchum Chinamen continue to arrive here daily. Wanganui, Tuesday. The Waverley correspondent of the Iferald telegraphs that the Maoris have stopped the survey north of Mornihaka, and attempted to seize 'the chain. A meeting of settlers is called for Saturday night. This survey is the one which was referred to by the Native Minister, when he warned Tapa against obstruction, and told him that the consequences would be serious. Auckland, Tuesday. Mr. Porcival, secretary of the Racing Club, goes South to promote entries for the Auckland Summer Meeting. The club has made the following arrangements:—Auckland Cup, 300 sovs.; Racing Handicap, 200 sovs.; Steeplechase, 150 sovs. The Rev. Gervase Smith, D.D., arrived by the Rotorua. He is making the tour of the colony as the delegate from the British Wesleyan Conference. Captain McKenzie, of the schooner Saxon, has arrived from Dunedin. He had two of his ribs broken by the boom swinging during the voyage. Christchurch, Tuesday. The U. S. Minstrels opened to a very large house at Lyttelton last night. They commence the regular season at the Gaiety, Christchurch, this evening. The Soldenes left for Wellington to-day. Their season here was an uninterrupted success. It is proposed here to fit out an expedition to the New Guinea goldfields, the party to consist of one hundred practical miners, each man to contribute £SO. It is estimated that a vessel could be chartered to take them for £1200; the remainder would be set aside for provisions, tools, etc., and the journey to the goldfields. It is proposed to make up the party from Christchurch, Dunedin, Hokitika, and the Thames. Messrs. Cuff and Graham, a well-known shipping firm, are the agents. The Government have again written to the City Council, asking that body to take over the Hospital and also the Benevolent Institution. The City Council has asked for full particulars as to the funds. Including the tenders for railway wagons to be made in the colony and those ordered from Home, it is expected that before next grain season fourteen hundred wagons will be added to the rolling stock. This is twice as many as are now within the Canterbury District. . Balolutha, Tuesday. At an inquest held before Dr. Smith (coroner), and a jury, in reference to the recent fire at Sir. Cowie’s shop on the morning of the 12th instant, a verdict was returned, “That the shop was wilfully set on fire by some person unknown,” The jury added the following rider:—“That in their opinion the insurance company are much to blame for the careless manner in which premiums are issued without inspection, and also for insuring property above its value, thus virtually offering a premium for incendiarism.” Alexander Gunn (of the firm of Gunn and Ross, ironmongers, Dunedin), who was injured by a fall from his horse here on Saturday evening, died this morning. He never recovered consciousness after the accident.