LAST NIGHT’S WIRES.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 60, 7 February 1884, Page 2

LAST NIGHT’S WIRES.

[Per United Press Association.] Auckland, Feb. 6. Some £4,000 has been collected by the Natives towards Tawhiao’s projected mission to England, for which the arrangements are nearly completed. The Ringites deny that Mcßeth instigated, or is connected with the mission. It is stated that Rewi has replied to the Native Minister concerning the stoppage of his pension, but asserts that he does not care, as he never solicited it. Tawhiao, Rewi, and Major Te Wheoro, M.H.R., have invited Sir George Grey to

come up and see them, with a view to talk over matters. Among other matters, they want to know whether a pension can ba stopped, apart from personal misconduct, without reference to Parliament. Rewi’a pension is £2OO per annum. Messrs. Larkins and Brier’s tender for the Auckland Tramway Conti act No. 1, £3,960, nas been accepted. Messrs. R. Nicholson and Sons saw-mill, Port Albert, was totally destroyed by fire early this morning; Timber-stacks, whanre*’, office, and books, also dwelling and flourmills were saved. A steady rain during the night prevented the total destruction of these. Mr. E. Nicholson saw all right near 11 p.m., as did some of the hands returning from a meeting after midnight. The origin of the fire is unknown. insurances — Colonial, £500; South British, £500; London and Lancashire, £5OO, half of which amount is reinsured in the New Zealand. Wellington, Feb, 6.

The Government have received despatches from the Agent-General enclosing the opinion of Sir Edward Reed, the eminent naval architect, on Mr. Isbister’s scheme of unsinkable ships. He is of opinion that the scheme is quite practicable, and also that it would tend to lessen the dangers of ocean voyages, Some of the minor details of Mr, Isbister’s scheme he does not agree with. Some interest is being taken in the nominations for the new Licensing Committees. In each district large numbers are nominated, both in the Good Templars’ and publicans’ interests; At the annual meeting of the Wellington Gas Company to-day, the report and balancesheet (already telegraphed) were adopted. The Chairman congratulated the shareholders on the success of the Company. They were unable to reduce the price of gas at present, but they hoped to do so before long. The Hon. C. J. Pharazyn and Mr. A. P. Stuart were re-elected directors. Navier, Feb, 6. The Porangfthau Natives have decided not to put any more lands through the Court, An inquest was held at the Lunatic Asylum to-day on the body of an inmate aged 79. The verdict was “ Died from natural causes,” and the jury added the following rider: —“That the state of the accommodation provided at the Napier Lunatic Asylum for the unfortunate inmates reflects the greatest discredit on the Government of New Zealand.” Nelson, Feb. 6,

On Sunday a fire occurred at Takaka by which Mr. Keoghan’s ochre paint works were destroyed. There was no insurance, and the loss was serious. Keoghan, after much perseverance, had established the industry, and now, just as a considerable demand for his paint had set in, the fire has occurred. The store-house, containing twelve tons of paint, was saved, and in three months the works will be in full operation again. Hokitika, Feb. 6. The Government have taken possession of all the State Schools in the Westland district, and dismissed the bailiffs. The Hokitika School was reopened this morning. Christchurch, Feb. 6. The second annual meeting of the North Canterbury Educational Institute began this afternoon, when Professor Haslem was chosen President. Mr. Jenkins, of the Pioneer, and Mr. F. W. Painter, of the Christchurch Bicycle Clubs, have ridden to Waiau and back (170 miles), in 22| hours. This is believed to be the longest run yet accomplished in New Zealand within the 24 hours. They started at four o’clock in the morning, doing a considerable portion of the journey in the dark.