NEW ZEALAND.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2165, 25 February 1880, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND.

[Per “Times” Special Wire.] Auckland Harbor. Auckland, Feb. 25. —The Hon. Mr Whitaker lias appointed Maxwell enp'iifter to examine and report on the ■allowed silting ,np of the Auckland Harbor. The Hoard propose a considerable increase in wharf dues with the view of increasing their revenue, and

providing funds for the con-fraction of a large graving dock. Kailway Prosperity. Mr Lawson, Commissioner of Railways, is here. He states that on the Auckland lines the traffic is rapidly increasing. The proportion of working expenses'is now 69£ per cent, while last ..yeardt was 20 per cent, higher. : ; The Right Step. , i{{ - -The Waikato Farmers Club have resolved to bring into force the llth clause of the Diseases of Cattle Act,and : liave appointed a sub-committee’ for the purpose. Say of Islands Regatta. -i-Thenumbcr of visitors at the Bay of; ( Islands regatta, reaches,several thou;sapds, and the affair is expected to be a success. : .' , A Sagacious Chairman. , Captain McKenzie was re-elected Chairman of the Harbor Board yesterday. i He spoke of the onerous nature of the duties, and said ho .could not afford the time. The members agreed that provision should - bo made - hi the . Amended Act, to remuneratedhe Chair,iuan of the Board. Important to Gas Makers. DttKEDiXjFeb. 25.—The superiority of Grcymouth coal over Newcastle for gds making purposes has received a striking proof at Dunedin gas-works. The engineer reports that for the 28 days ending Feb. 28, Greymouth coal „ being used, the consumption was 50 .tons less than during the corresponding period of last .year, when Newcastle coal was used, while the quantity of gas-manufactured was 165,000 cubic feet more. Besides this the gas from ' Grey coal is of two candles greater illuminating power than that from Newcastle.,; The statement was made at the Council meeting. It shows a saving ) equal to £6,000 yearly. General Amnesty to Travellers. Mr Conyers has ordered all carriage doors on one side to be unlocked. Invercargill Items. ; „ilxVKiicAi!Gu.r,, Feb. 25.—The Garrison Band is unable to attend the Christchurch Review, owing to one or two of the 'principal players being prevented by business engagements. The artillery battery will probably go .•under, caavass. ; Thos. Pratt is elected Chairman of the Bluff Harbor Board. A whale, stranded at the Riverton Beach has been bought by a local chemist foi £SO. The scarcity of water is still complained of.