LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 287, 16 January 1878, Page 2

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

[PER PRESS AGENCY.]

OAMAEU. January 15. The first meeting’ of the newly-elected committee of the North Otago Tuff Club took place last night, when it was decided to hold the Oamaru Races on the 11th and 12th March. A letter from D.O’Brien was read, stating that the disqualification of tbo horse Fishoolc had nearly ruined him, A long discussion enoned, lasting to a late hour. A motion was ultimately carried by seven to five, to the effect that owing to circumstances stated in O’Brien’s letter, and his previous character for integrity as a racing man, the disqualification would ho removed. The disqualification of Derritt (the jockey) was also removed. DUNEDIN.] January 15. The final inningsof the Australasian team did not come off, owing to a heavy downpour of rain. The result is a drawn game. WELLINGTON. January 15. Replying to a statement published that Colonel Whitmore was about to retire fiom the Cabinet, in order to assume the office of Chief Commissioner of the Armed Constabulary, the Post explains that the appointment is only temporary, to enable certain official acts to be done in conformity to law.

MOUNTAIN ROAD. On the 17th December- last, Colonel Trimble, Chairman of the Taranaki County Council, addressed a letter to the Hon Minister of Public Works, showing work done and to bo done under the superintendence of the County Engineer. Three detail statements (A, B, and 0) were enclosed. The following are extracts : “ Table B shows certain items on the Mountain Road completed and not yet paid for, and also all the work within the county authorised, but not yet completed—much of it not yet contracted for. Out of the £3OOO granted for this work there is an estimated surplus for making the Mountain Road of £744 Is 2d. This amount will be spent on that road, and will materially assist the other grant of £14,000 towards completing it. “ Table C shows how the grant of £14,000, together with the £744 12s 2d, should be applied in the formation and completion of the Mountain Road between Inglewood and Hawera. It is doubtful if the road can be quite com pleted for the amount, but if the works be proceeded with judiciously, and from both ends, a good practicable road will be secured, which could be easily finished another year. “ I should be obliged if-you would telegraph to the auditor to vouch for the works unpaid for, and be proceeded with according to A and B. Every day is of importance now that fine weather has set in. “ As regards table C, the works to be executed under the vote for £14,000, I ■would respectfully call your attention to the necessity for commencing forthwith upon the road. By exertion it might be so far completed this summer that the coach could easily continue the traffic throughout next winter. Mr. Skinner has now got the Mountain Road ’ pegged out’ up to the Patea River, and the levels could be taken out and tenders asked for very speedily should you authorise him to proceed; but to push on

with vigor it would be needful that be should have for a few months only two assistants to begin at the Hawera end of the road. Xam informed that there might be some' difficulty i.i gettingthese men here, but that in Wellington it wonld be easy to find them. Perhaps you would kindly telegraph, giving Mr. Skinner authority to proceed with the work in the Mountain Road that no time may be lost.”