LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 298, 23 February 1878, Page 2

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

[PER PRESS AGENCY.] HEW PLYMOUTH. - February 21.. Major Atkinson addressed a large meeting of his constituents, and reviewed the past session exhaustively. He pointed out how the'present Government took their predecessor’s measures. Sir George Grey promised to nvakc reductions pf. £IOO,OOO, but failed tc do so. If the property tax, was introduced it would not yield a very lafgmaippunt. He instanced the present Treasureroppdsingthe Land Bill in his ownMinistry. Bir George "Grby’s conduct in' asking that the Land Bill be disallowed; was most unconstitutional, and objected to present constitution of the land boards.. He said that there ought to be commissioners. He approved of the Hon Mr Sheehan’s action in reference to confiscatedlands, and said that according to a statement of finance laid on the table by Sir George Grey, there would be nearly a quarter of a million unprovided for, there--fore, additional taxation would be required. He doubted whether the property tax. promised would bring in much or relieve the Customs greatly. The present ' electoral qualification was liberal enough. Perhaps registration wouid be better improved. He said that the Government, intended to disfranchise New Plymouth, and practically abolish Egmont _ ; . A vote of confidence was carried., WESTPORT. February 22. On 'the Ministerial party returning on Wednesday, the tender could not lie alongside the Hinemoa, on: account of heavy swell.’ Mr Mapandrew, while getting from the open boat up the side of steamer, missed bis grip, and fell into the water. He bad a,narrow escape from drowning, as the sea was very lumpy and the night somewhat dark. . Clark’s Rink Hall was totally destroyed by fire, at half-past twelve last night. GREYMOUTH. February 22. Sir G. Grey and part}' visited the coast mines yesterday, by special train, accomby- 100 ladies and gentlemen. He formally opened the Greymouth Coal Company’s mine, and expressed his surprise at the amount of labor done, and congratulated them on the brilliant prospects of the company. H6 then visited the Brunner and Coal-pits Heath miues. Last night he was entertained at a banquet, which was crowded. There were no political speeches, as he promised to address a public meeting on Saturday night. He left, for Reef ton this morning.