TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5380, 25 June 1878, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

(per press agency.) Auckland, Monday. Replying to a deputation re the Central Railway Station for Auckland, Mr. Macandrew said the Government could not incur the cost, but would carry the railway to the Queenstreet wharf, as intended by their predecssors. Re the telegraph to Wairoa and Kaipara, for which a vote passed last session, he said he would telegraph to Mr. Fisher recommending that tenders be called for. Alexandra, Monday. Mr. MeMinn's supporters are diligently canvassing here to contest Waipa seat in opposition to Mr. F. A. Whitaker. There is a vague rumor that Mr. Sheehan will also offer himself, but it is not believed. New Plymouth, Monday. At a meeting of the Taranaki Jockey Club, held on Saturday, the matter in re the disqualifioatiou of McGee by the Auckland Jockey Club was considered, and it was decided that there was not sufficient reasons adduced for the Taranaki Club to adopt the decision come to by the Auckland Club. It is stated that the native meeting at Waitara will be adjourned till the summer owing to the stormy weather preventing numbers of natives from attending. Napiek, Monday. There was a very strong shook of earthquake here yesterday afternoon shortly after three. It was also felt in several of the country districts. The dedication of the new Masonic Hall for the Victoria Lodge, E.C., took place this

afternoon. A very large number of brethren were present. Brothers Batham and Harwood were the delegates from the Provincial Grand Lodge. The ceremony of dedication commenced by the reading of the first three verses from the first chapter of Genesis, which was followed by the beautiful anthem “ Father of light,” most impressively sung. On the application of Brother P.M. Dransfield, the lodge was formally examined, and Brother Architect Dugleby having returned the working tools, the D.P.G.M. expressed approval. Brother P.M. Price then announced the desire of the brethren that the hall should be consecrated according to ancient form and usage, upon which the reverend chaplain read the consecration prayer. The following programme was then observed :—Procession of officers marching to the music of the organ. At the termination of the first circuit in the east, the hall was dedicated to Freemasonry ; corn was sprinkled ; grand honors ; ode to Masonry. At the terminations of the second circuit, wine was sprinkled, and the hall was dedicated to virtue; grand honors; ode to virtue. At the end of the third circuit, oil was sprinkled and the hall dedicated to charity. The rev. chaplain then pronounced the invocation, the choir responding. After the anthem, “To Heaven’s High Architect” had been sung, the D.P.G.M. delivered an able address, and this concluding the ceremony, the delegates of the District Grand Lodge retired. The proceedings were most impressively conducted from first to last, and occupied about two hours in their performance. The choral portion of the service was presided over by Brothers Iludman and Aplin. Dunedin, Monday.

Mr. Larnach and Mr. James Rattray have resigned their position as directors of the Colonial Bank. Mr. Matthew Holmes and Mr. J. C. Wright have been appointed in their stead till next meeting of the shareholders. The site of the railway goods station led to a sharp discussion at the meeting of the Chamber of Commerce this afternoon. Strong reference was made to the fact that Sir John Goode’s report differed from the opinion he expressed to members when he was in Dunedin. It was plainly stated by several speakers that Mr. Macandrew was a strong opponent of the Board, and that Sir J. Coode changed his views when he got to Wellington. It was resolved that the plan of February last should be adopted, and that should it be deemed necessary for the protection of the bar that a proportionate amount of reclamation should be abandoned elsewhere. It was also resolved to request Government not to interfere with the granting leases to those who purchased laud in the Crawford-street block on Wednesday last. The criminal sittings of the Supreme Court commence next Monday, The calender comprises five cases of larceny, one of false pretences, one of bestiality, one of rape, and one of incendiarism. Christchduoh, Monday. Mr. J. B. Hunter, formerly Government Surveyor, was brought back from Melbourne to day on a charge of appropriating Government funds. On being followed to Melbourne it was found he had been arrested there for obtaining money on false pretences. The pigeon race on Saturday, from Ashburton to Christchurch, a distance of fifty miles, was won by a bird belonging to the Union Fanciers Company. Time, 48min. Hokitika, Monday. The election is creating a great stir here. B >th aides are confident of success. Crombie Brown has retired from the contest. Grbtmooth, Monday. A heavy southerly gale, accompanied by sleet and rain, has been blowing since Saturday night. The weather has been terrific all along the coast.