TELEGRAMS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 856, 13 January 1879, Page 2

TELEGRAMS.

(I'KK I'UESS ASSOCIATION)

WELLINGTON.

January 11.

Messrs. Allan, Miller, and Spiller were so impressed by the capabilities of New Guinea when they visited it in the barque Courier, a short time since, that they have determined to organise another expedition to start from Wellington some months hence, for the purpose of opening up a trade with the natives. They have received offers from forty persons willing to join the expedition, and they are sanguine that they will have no difficulty in securing quite a sufficient number of volunteers. A schooner of about 80 tons burden is to be purchased and thoroughly equipped with everything necessary for such an expedition. Interpreters will be secured, and every precaution taken to prevent a fiasco such as occurred on the trip in the Courier. The promoters are satisfied that the expedition failed purely through the deception practised by the American captain from whom the Courier was bought. The expedition is intended not only for trading purposes, but also to thoroughly prospect various parts of New Guinea for gold and other metals. A meeting of the members of the various School Committees in the city was held yesterday evening. It was resolved—That sewing should be taught in school hours, and that no teacher should be removed from a school without the Committee being consulted. That, in inflicting punishment, no child should be struck on the head. The question of Savings Banks in schools was adjourned for consideration, and a motion that teachers should be paid through the Committee was negatived. The payment of Kesident Magistrates' Court fees by stamps is being reduced to absurdity. The daily batch of inebriates have to pay their fines in stamps. They are, of course, unprovided with these, and have to remain in custody till they can get some one to go and buy them. The regatta subscription lists now show a total of L 245.

The N.Z.S.S. Company, at their annual meeting, unanimously approved of the directors' recommendation to wind the company up voluntarily. A new company is talked of. January 13. A teacher writes to the Times complaining strongly of the new scheme of classification, and says that men previously holding second and third-class certificates are now made equal with first-class men. The New Zealand Times declares that Mr. Woods has been appointed to the Legislative Council, and calls on the Governor to resist making additional appointments to the Council, until the Assembly has time to consider whether or not the Council is to be destroyed in that way. A smart shock of earthquake was felt here shortly before 9 last night. The Government are preparing new tables for the life insurance department under which premiums may be paid fortnightly into any post office. DUNEDIN. January 11. It is understood that Government books in connection with a Penny School Savings Bank have been prepared, and that the system will be brought into operation throughout the Colony shortly. The tenders for the Waimea Plains railway have been opened, and referred to the engineer. The result will be known in a few days, and the work commenced at once.

The agreement between David Proudfoot and the South Dunedin Council, for the construction of a tramway to that suburb, has been signed. Work will be commenced without further delay. January 13. Last evening an elderly lady, while going to church, trod on a wax match and fell with such force on the pavement that she was rendered for some time insensible.

A large Bible and hymn-book, which she carried, prevented her from using her arms to stop the fall. The City Council are taking active steps to prevent a waste of water, as the reservoir is getting rapidly used up, and a water famine is feared.

The civil sessions of the Supreme Court commenced this morning. The first case was Smart against Brogden and others—claim for L6OB for work and material supplied to defendants while plaintiff was a sub-contractor under them in the construction of Otago railways. Evidence is now being taken.

AUCKLAND. January 13. It is stated that the recent raid on the public houses for gambling was made at the express wish of the Ministry. An old soldier named Hill, formerly of the 51st Regiment, was found dead in his residence. He claimed to have been at Corunna and "Waterloo, and to be 105 years old, NAPIER. January 13. The barque Adamant arrived on Saturday from London, via Plymouth, with 270 immigrants, all well. She had a fino weather passage of 105 days. Two births occurred on the way out, and one infant died. The immigrants speak highly of Captain Bowling, and presented him with an address. NELSON. January 11.

Wilson and Mercer, journeymen employed by Mr. James, cabinetmaker, were arrested on a charge of robbery, &c., from their employer's warehouse. Their premises were found well stocked with everything. The goods were identified by Mr. James. Both were about to be married. They are remanded for ten days.

The local members of the Rifle Association met Mr. Stevens, the Secretary, who arrived this morning to make arrangements, and accompanied him to Brightwat'er, to fix a site for the butts. The Stoke Rifles have subscribed for an.-all-comers' prize at the meeting. It ill* likely others will follow suit. A meeting was held to consider means to extend the working of the Wallsend Iron Company at Collingwood, and to open up a new 4ft. seam. A proposition was favorably received to endeavor to obtain additional shareholders. It was stated at the meeting that there was every probability of an English company, with a large capital, making arrangements for working the iron mines at Collingwood. Harvesting has commenced. Labor is vei'y scarce. The crops all look splendid. The yield is estimated at from 40 bushels upwards.

NEW PLYMOUTH. January 12. After much negotiation, Mr. Williams, interpreter at Patea, has succeeded in getting the natives to permit a gravel-pit to be opened on a native reserve on the Waimate Plains. This is considered a greater achievement than the survey of the Plains themselves, as the natives have generally great objections to the soil being removed from their land for road-making. The mountain road is now used for all kinds of conveyances. A buggy and pair went through in one day, returning on the next. INVERCARGILL. January 11. A joint meeting of the Invitation and Banquet Committees connected with the opening of the through railways was held yesterday, but no business of importance was transacted. It was decided to invite the clergymen of the district to the banquet.

Considerable dissatisfaction exists at Riverton and in the immediate neighborhood through the delay that has occurred in completing the railway to that place. It is now four years since the first sod was turned.

Complaints are made regarding the scarcity of trucks on the l-ailway here. One promising local industry has been partially stopped in consequence. Dr. Hodgkinson, M.H.R. for Rivcrton, has been addressing his constituents at various centres during the week. At all his meetings he has been favored with votes of confidence.