TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5335, 3 May 1878, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

(PER PRESS AOENOY.) Auckland, Thursday. The following amounts were paid over at the settling for the Autumn Races:—Walters, £353; McGee, £206; Thorp, £3B; Edgar, £l7; and other small amounts, making a total of ,£742. The census of Coromandel shows the total population to be 2093. Count de Zaba is lecturing on the literature of Poland, in aid of local charities. Mr. Sheehan visits the Bay of Islands and Hokianga after the Kingite meeting. Telegrams from Alexandra state that Te Kooti was near Kopua yesterday with twenty followers. He got drink from the settlement, and Tawhiao sent peremptory orders for him to leave. Te Kooti has since gone to Kuiti. Rewi will probably attend the Hikurangi meeting without followers. The Ngatimaniapoto propose to have a second meeting with Sir • George Grey and Mr. Sheehan at Te Kuiti. Several Europeans have gone to Hikurangi, in defiance of the wishes of Government.

At Onehunga last night a candle-box halffull at vestas caught fire, endangering a valuable block of buildings. The fire was extinguished, with the loss of about £SO, owing to its prompt discovery. It is supposed to have been caused by mice eating matches. McGee writes a bitter letter to the Star, protesting against his disqualification for his alleged pulling of Falcon. Sir George Grey proceeds to Hikurangi on Sunday morning. The Governor proceeds to Wellington about Tuesday in the Hinemoa. Maketc, Thursday. The Land Court opened again to-day. Petere and party opposed the sitting of the Court, while Pokiha, Hcnare, and others strongly urged the Court to proceed with their claims, and as the Court was so doing a smart paasage-of-arms occurred between Pokiha and Petere, and the Court adjourned to the green outside. After much discussion the followers of Petere and Pokiha advanced towards each other in a most warlike manner ; but instead of the rival chiefs burying their tomahawks in each other’s skulls, they rubbed noses, and the Court adjourned till 3 p.m. Land speculators are here in abundance, but are keeping very quiet Judge Halse exercises all the necessary patience, and John Bolts, the assessor, is quite clear-headed enough for., his work. Everyone here hopes the Court will proceed; but still the moat sanguine are in doubt. Waikato, Pekandi, Thursday. Natives en route for the meeting stayed here last night. All go on to Hikurangi to-day, where a tangi will take place. A party, with Major Te Whooro, will afterwards return to meet Sir George Grey and Mr. Sheehan. Te Kooti was at Hikurangi, but as he had rum in his possession, contrary to the rules laid down, ho was ordered away. He is said to have gone to Whikaiaroaroa, near Kopua. Rewi remains at his settlement, Panui, but will attend on Grey’s arrival. Hokitika, Thursday. The Union Bank has shipped per Tararua, for Melbourne, 3419 ounces gold. The trial of Ryan for the murder of Daniels was concluded to-day. The Crown Prosecutor addressed the jury for one hour. Mr. Purkisa, for the defence, spoke two hours. He urged with great force the points in favor of the prisoner ; his analysis of the evidence of the two principal witnesses for the Crown was masterly, and his peroration made a great impression on the jury. Judge Richmond summed up very minutely and clearly. After retiring for one hoar the jury acquitted the prison, who was discharged. Chmstohdrch, Thursday,

The following are the weights for the Grand National Steeplechase Handicap Eversleigh, 12st. 41b.; Te Whetu, Hat. 71b.; Eclipse, list. 51b.; Sir Tatton, list. lib.; Mousetrap, list. 11b.; Kildare, list.; Brunette, lOst. 181 b.; Shillelagh, lOst. 111 b.; Shark, lOst. 91b.; Ivanhoe, lOst. 71b.; Moose, lOst. 71b.; Gent, lOst. 51b.; Zealand, Lunatic, Batsman, and Don, lOst. each. . - ',

Becoipts from pastoral rents yesterday were £57 10s. Dunedin, Thursday.

Mr. Donald Beid will address his constituents about the middle of the month, when he will announce his retirement from politics. ,

Timaru, Thursday. The Custom’s revenue for the month of April is £1665, as against £1412 for the corresponding month of last year. The annual sports of the South Canterbury Amateur Athletic Club will take place on the Btb and 9th. A liberal programme has been prepared, and the affair promises to be a great success., On Sunday night a fire occurred at Thomas Pa ttan’s farm, Bangitata Island, destroying 600 bushels of grain. ; The loss is estimated at £IOO. ! ■