The Telephone. PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING. GISBORNE, TUESDAY, APRIL 15. Local and General.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 106, 15 April 1884, Page 2

The Telephone. PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING. GISBORNE, TUESDAY, APRIL 15. Local and General.

Harbor Board.—The usual meeting of the Board will be held to-night. Obituary.—Charles Reade, D.C.L., the wellknown novelist and dramatist has just died, aged 70. The Masonic.—We hear that Mr. J. R. ►Scott, late of the Roseland, has taken the Masonic Hotel. J Battery.—We believe it is the intention of the members of the Battery to hold another tournament on the 24th of next month. Wairarapa.—This boat being detained at Dunedin, will not arrive in the Bay until Monday morning next. Hospital Management.—We are compelled to hold over correspondence on this subject till our next issue, R.M. Court.—No business was transacted this morning on account of the Easter holidays. To-morrow the cases between Hemi v. McDonald and Barker, and McDonald v. Barker, will again come on for hearing. Union S.S. Co.—The agent informs us, that should the weather be fine on Friday next, there will probably be a boat later than as at present notified viz., 3 o’clock, but further notice will be given in Thursday night’s issue. Native Church, Aku Aku.—We are requested by Major Ropata Wahawaha, to rectify an error which appears with regard to the date of opening this Church. It will be formally opened on the 28th May. Gun Accident.— By Press telegrams we hear of another gun accident at Masterton on the Upper Plains. Two sons of a man named Lettie White, of Fernridge, when the elder fell and his gun exploded killing his brother almost instantaneously. The Earthquake.—The earthquake which occurred on Friday night last seems to have been pretty general throughout the whole of the southern part of the islands, and was preceded in most instances with loud rumblings. Telegrams to hand speak of it as having been very severe at Wellington, Masterton, Blenheim, Lyall, Fielding, Hawera, Christchurch, Nelson, Westport and Greymouth.

School Picnic.—The joyous festival of Easter was fittingly celebrated by the teachers of Holy Trinity Sunday School, who invited their scholars to a picnic at the Recreation ground. About 250 children and nearly 100 adults attended, and took part in the various games usually provided at picnics. A sumptuous lunch was served up about 1 o’clock, and tea at 4.30, after which sports were again indulged in till the dusk of evening, when all retired to their homes bearing with them pleasant memories of Easter Monday, 1884. The Rotokautuku Block.—We hear that the oil company have dispensed with the services of Mr Nolan and others, and entered into arrangements with Mr Rees with a view to obtaining possession of the above Block. The wisdom of this selection has been quickly demonstrated by the fact that he has already developed a plan and prepared deeds whereby the natives are to be induced to part with their lands upon the condition that they are to be paid for the same out of the oil obtained therefrom. In other words, the natives are to part with their lands on the principle of no oil no pay

Native Land Laws.—-It has oozed out that the Government are about to suspend the whole of the Native Land Laws with the view, it is believed, of bringing forward legislative enactments to enable them to resume the pre-emptive rights of purchase. Should such be the truth, there is every prospect of an appeal being made to the country upon these grounds.

Ministerial Movements.—Press Association telegrams say Major Atkinson leaves for the South this afternoon, and will speak first at Dunedin on Friday next, he will also deliver an address at Christchurch on his return. The Hon. Mr. Rolleston addresses his constituents at Christchurch on Saturday next.—The Hon. Mr. Connolly leaves for Picton on Monday, and will address his constituents either on Tuesday or Wednesday. Attempted Suicide.—Charles King, better known as the “ Little Saddler,” attempted suicide on Saturday night last, at the British Empfre Hotel, where he was boarding. Nothing unusual was noticed in his behaviour until towards evening when he was observed to leave the house and return with some writing paper which he took to his room with him. Some time afterwards he came down stairs, and addressing Mr. Joyce told him he must bid him good-bye, as he had taken two bottles of Chloridine. Mr. Joyce immediately sent off for Doctor Pollen, who quickly arrived and found King in convulsions. The stomach pump was applied with the most beneficial effect, and the sufferer sent to the hospital where he has pretty well recovered from the effects of the dose. It appears that the foolish fellow had written to his friends and shopmates, telling them that he had been driven to the act because the devils would not let him have any peace, and were at that time dancing around him in such a manner that he could stand it no longer. Age Specials. — London April 2. The special pilotage rates for the Suez Canal has been abolished. This is the first concession granted to the Engligh ship owners, and is the result of a recent convention between them and M. DeLesseps.—Blight has made its appearance in the Kentish hop fields.—ln the House of Commons yesterday, Marquis Hartington, Secretary to foreign affairs, made a statement that Major General Gordon was in peril in Khartoum, or that he has asked for succour. He added that Major General Gordon was in a position to retire whenever the necessity arose.—During the debate Mr. Gladstone made an animated and indignant reply against the attack of Sir Stafford Northcote on the Egyptian policy of Cabinet, and again disclaimed any responsibility on the part of the British Government with respect to recent events in Egypt.—General Graham is now at Cairo.—The appointment of Sir Hy. Loch, Governor of Victoria, is to extend over a period of eight years.—lt is rumored that Childers, Chancellor of Exchequer, intends to submit a proposal that all bankers shall be licensed, and also that he intends to reduce the value of half-sovereigns, in order to meet the expense of coinage.