TELEGRAMS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 545, 30 January 1878, Page 2

TELEGRAMS.

(PKK PRESS AGENCY.) «■ WELLINGTON. January 29. The Superintendent of the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company has telegraphed that the Singapore and Batavia cable worked badly for some days prior to its total interruption. The repairing ship Edinburgh was on her way from Rangoon to Singapore ; but perfect communication will probably be restored in about a .veek. Steamers arrive at Batavia from Singapore on the 3rd, 6th, 17th, and 20th February ; but many local steamers are sure to arrive between these days. The annual report of the Wellington Gas Company shows an available profit for the year of over L 5.000. The directors recommend a payment of 10 per cent, on last half-year, and on the new capital 10 per cent, from the date of payment. The Union Bank advertises a dividend of 16 per cent, I

January 30. In the Court of appeal to-day, while discussing certain points of law arising out of a case before the Court, Mr. G. E. Barton, barrister, intimated in an unmistakeable manner, that the Court was animated by a spirit unfavourable towards him. The Chief Justice asked Mr. Barton to ..j'eMain the meaning of his language, oe"eause the only construction that could be put on his words was that the Court was guilty of partiality in the administration of justice. Was that what he meant? Mr. Barton replied that it was. The Chief Justice and Mr. Justice Richmond then retired for a quarter of an hour, and, upon returning, the Chief Justice informed Mr. Barton that the Court fined him LSO for contempt of Court. The Court then at once adjourned. Mr. Barton declared in Court that he would not pay the fine. On the Court resuming the Chief Justice remarked that since returning the Registrar had informed him that, upon the rising of the Court on Monday, it had not been formally adjourned, and consequently to-day's Appeal Court was not properly constituted, and the proceedings of that morning therefore were informal. Mr. Barton asked the Court if his case would be affected by the informality, and if so, he did not wish to take any advantage of it. Without replying directly to Mr. Barton's questions, the Chief Justice continued by announcing that all that morning's proceedings were annulled. Mr. Travers' and Mr. Reader Wood's resignations will be gazetted to-morrow.

AUCKLAND. January 29. The weather to-day is most unfavourble for the regatta, there being a drenching rain and no wind. Five large trading schooners started. At a later hour the Reward was leading, but it was doubtful whether the vessel would reach the finishing point in time to make the race according to the rules. Six started for the Trading Cutters Race, and the Thistle is now leading, but it is considered improb ible that they will complete the course in time to finish the race. The Lockfleet won the Ships' Gig Race. In the rowing races there was very little competition or interest. A thousand children belonging to the various schools we it to the Domain for a feast, but got drenched. A deputation from the Thames to the Premier, urged the importance of the Thames Valley Railway. Sir G. Grey replied that the acquisition of land was being rapidly pushed on, and all obstacles to the line would soon be removed.

INVERCARGILL. January 29. A section of the Kingston Railway—from Lowther to Athol—l4 miles, was opened yesterday. A free train ran from Tnvercarsfill, ;md carried about a thousand passengers. The Hon. Mr. Larnach joined the party at Lowther, accompanied by Messrs. Carruthers and Flair. They had been engaged in inspeeA"V2 the route of the proposed line from Gore o> the Elbow, which has been approved, and the survey ordi red. Mr. Larnach returned to Invercavuill in the evening, and staffed this morning for Queensfown en route to Cromwell. To-day Mr. Larnach purchased at L 7 per acre, Mr. M'Kinn'? freehold estate <m the Waimea Plains, 1,511 acres, 150 under crops, and with a considerable amount of fencing. GISBORNE. January 29. A slight shock of earthquake was felt here at 2.20 p.m. on the 27th. To-day there was a smart shock at 10.40 a.m. NEW PLYMOUTH. January 30. At a meeting convened by the Mayor to test the question of raising a loan for Municipal purposes, a resolution was carried in favour of borrowing L 20,000 for water, gas, and public improvements. A poll will now be taken.