TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5337, 6 May 1878, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

(PER PRESS AGENOV.) Auckland, Saturday. " - The Governor presided at the meeting of the Young Men’s Christian Association yesterday. In his opening address he said he desired when the opportunity offered to evince his appreciation of associations such as the one in connection with which the present meeting was held. He considered the character and progress of a nation greatly depended upon the education and social condition of its inhabitants. He referred to the spread of knowledge and the increased facilities for the education of the yfiung. In a country in which schools are supported by the State it has been found impossible to conduct religious education in public schools so as to meet the views of the - various religious bodies, and therefore it is most essential that in every Christian country religious education should be available. He advocated the formation of associations such as the Auckland Young Men’s Christian Association, and considered they were the best means of preventing the spread of drunkenness. Sir George Grey arrived at Taurauga early this morning, and left at 10.15. He leaves for Waikato at nine to-morrow by special train. The Governor leaves for Wellington on Wednesday per Hinemoa. Alexandra, Sunday.

Sir George Grey is expected here to-night by steamer, and will proceed to Hikurangi tomorrow. There was a thunderstorm there last night, and all were in a most miserable ’condition, and were awfully indignant at Sir George Grey’s procrastination. The natives of the locality will have a hard time this winter, their food being consumed. Hikurangi, Sunday.

There haa been no business yet. Yesterday the food was distributed, consisting of 19 carcases beef, 270 bags flour, a quantity of sugar, and 50 tons of potatoes. It is said by the na-, tivea that this is the largest assemblage of natives for many years. Some 4000 and up- - wards are hero. , It was a great sight to see the multitude carrying food with the usual ceremonies, singing, grimacing,. and dancing. A large number of natives are on duty as. policemen, and a regular , patrol is carried on. Their by-laws are very strict, and somewhat ludicrous. It is stated that a reporter for one of the Auckland papers was en route, but was stopped at Kopua and requested to return, to Alexandra to await Sir George Grey’s arrival. The King has a guard over his quarters, and a regular sentry is posted. To relieve, it is presumed, the monotony, they occasionally amuse themselves by firing shots ■at the trees. This brings out his Majesty, who fires several shots himself, thus showing that powder is in ho way scarce. It rained here last night and up to nine this morning, which has made everything very uncomfortable. The roads are ancle deep in mud. To sleep here is impossible, the houses are- crammed to suffocation. Card playing goes on all night. Sir Grey and Mr. Sheehan are now most anxiously looked for. Bewi and party are not here as yet. ■ . Blenheim, Saturday. A Liberal Reform Association is to be started here. A preliminary meeting has been held and a committee formed, which will support Liberal principles, but not necessarily any local candidate. Dunedin, Saturday. ! ■ , Strong efforts are being made by the Taieri settlers to induce Mr. Donald Reid to represent them in Parliament. . Dr. Somerville and son arrived here last night. The Morning Herald appears full size to-day. Lawrence, Saturday. The attendance at the looal grammar school continues to increase since the new Education Act came into operation. Upwards of 300 pupils have been enrolled since the beginning of the year. ; The average daily attendance is 257. The committee intend to apply to the •Education Board for an enlargement of the new building, as the accommodation is insuffieient. , ■ , ■ , ( • Anofckes £SO olicque has bean', presented towards the building fund of the new hospital. With the subsidy at the rate of £2 to £l, the amount to the credit of the committee already exceeds £9OO. The new building will be started shortly. Great interest continues to be taken in the cement at Weatherstone. The prospects are, yery encouraging. The machinery will be erected in the course of a month or two. :