TELEGRAMS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 836, 18 December 1878, Page 2

TELEGRAMS.

WELLINGTON. December 17. A large public meeting was held to-day, the mayor in the chair, to discuss the Chinese question. A. series of resolutions were carried unanimously, to the effect that the Government should be memorialised to prevent the introduction of Chinese. Several speakers dilated upon the-manifold dangers likely to arise if the unrestricted influx of Chinese were allowed. A letter from the Colonial Treasurer was read, and in which the utmost sympathy was expressed with the movement. At a previous meeting a resolution was carried unanimously to urge upon the Government the advisability of removing the present railway station to a more central cite. The Drapers' and Clothiers' Association are raising and discussing the question of a half-holiday during the week. It is expected that the railway extension to Masterton will be completed in eighteen months from the present time. Mr Farnall, cx-M.H.R,, has received an ap2>ointment in the Annuities Office, Auckland. Mr Shechan is expected to leave for Auckland and the East Coast on Thursday next. i The Maori arrested for having been in the bedroom of Justice Gillies at the Criterion Hotel, Napier, and sentenced to a month's imprisonment for intrusion, has been released by the Minister of Justice. Mr. Shechan, Major Kemp, and other chiefs will visit Waikato, Dr. Hector has been up the Mokau River about five miles, to examine coal seams, which he reports to be from three to five feet thick, and quite accessible. The coal is considered the best yet found in the North Island. Dr. Hector is going through overland to Kuiti. AUCKLAND. December 17. Cases of sunstroke are numerous. The whole of the Southern mails were transhipped on board the Taiaroa, which left the Mannk.au this afternoon. The Zcalandia sailed for Sydney at o p.m. DUNEDIN. " December 17. Mr. Leary, the retiring mayor, is a candidate for High Ward in the City Council.

There are 100 candidates for the public school scholarships of Otago. A match took place to-day between eleven of Christ's College, Christchurch, and eleven of Otago University. It ended in each having made S9 in two innings. The annual breaking up of the Boys' High School took place to-day. An address was delivered by Dr. Macdonald, showing the state of the schtfol. He was frequently cheered during his speech. BALCLUTHA. •_ ■ December 17.'_• The plate-laying on the section of the railway carried out by day labor is completed. The last rails were linked this afternoon. Only four chains are unballasted, and the line is ready for opening as far as the commencement of Proudfoot's contracts. The river protection works are proceeding rapidly. Loads of gravel are being put over the bank ; fascines of scrub will be placed along the face of the bank to-morrow. It is believed this will answer temporarily, until the permanent works are convpleted. ♦- ..* GRAHAMSTOWN. December 17. The Government steamer Hinemoa arrived here to-day from the North, via Kawan, with Messrs. Macandrew and Blackett, on railway business. They go to Ohinemuri and Te Te Aroha. NEW PLYMOUTH. December 17. . Labor is getting so very scarce hero that if a supply from outside bo not soon available it is feared the Inglewood saw-mills will be stopped. The hands are leaving in twos and threes to go harvesting, for which 'farmers are giving high wages. It is reported that arrangements are being made for connecting Inglewood with Hawera at once by means of Cobb's coach, and that an attempt will be made shortly to drive a coach through. Mr. Alexander Campbell, who was with Rewi and Dr. Hector's party, has returned to New Plymouth. He reports that Dr. Hector has examined several seams of coal, and reports favorably of them. A sample he brings with him resembles the West Wanganui coal. The Hannah Mokau takes Rewi, Dr. Hector, and several chiefs up the Mokau for twenty miles, and then the party will go by canoes to Nepia, and from thence proceed on [to Kuiti, where they wait for the Hon. Mr. Sheehan. Rewi will then forward Dr. Hector on with the principal chiefs of the Tahau to other parts of the country. After testing the coal on the banks of the Mokau, Rewi asked Dr. Hector what he thought of it. Dr. Hector replied that it was very good. Rewi then said—"l shall have the Europeans to work it." «. NELSON. December IS. Mr. Richmond, M.H.R,., addressed his constituents last night, and received a vote of confidence.