NEW ZEALAND.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2236, 18 May 1880, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND.

[Pun “Times” Special Wine.) A northern Trunk Stine. Auckland, May 18, The settlers of Whangarci at a meeting resolved to urge upon the Government to set aside land in the north Auckland districts for the construction of a trunk railway. It was also decided to frame a memorial from the local bodies. Political. It is not expected that the Auckland members will leave for Wellington until Monday or Tuesday week. Plootl Damages. The late rain has caused a great silting up of the nncomplcto railway reclamation works, and the entrance to the dock is rapidly closing. Political. Much apathy is shown as regards registration in all the Auckland electoral districts. At the Thames and llodiiey the number of (doctors on the new roll is less than on the old roll. Another IWCaori Prophet. Kapiek. May IS. Superstition is on the increase amongst the natives, owing to the preaching of the new prophet, Parora Ita, from Wairarapa. He prophecies great Hoods in two months, when all the Luropcans will be drowned, and the natives win

get their own again. At Te Ante, men and women, perfectly naked, , bathe in the water every morning, believing they will be cured of all diseases. His preaching and prophecies are great rubbish, but the local chiefs fear the spread of superstition, and say that all the trouble with the Pakehas has originated from the teaching of such lunatics. Torelm calls a meeting of Maoris for next Friday, to fix the boundaries within which the prophet and his disciples must not enter. ' Alleged False Pretences* CnBisTCHUBCH, May 18. George Schmidt, who was arrested at Wainiate some time ago, was charged at the lI.M. Court this morning with obtaining goods by false pretences. After hearing the evidence, the case was remanded till Tuesday next. Diphtheria in Dunedin. Dunedin, May 15. Diphtheria is prevalent about Dunedin. A fatal case was reported at the end of the week. Attempted Suicide. HMrs Hunt, living in St. David street attempted to poison herself yesterday, and was removed to the hospital. A Temperance Class-Book. The Dunedin School Committee have recommended the adoption of Richardson’s Temperance book. Post-sessional. Mr Macandrew addresses his constituents on Friday. The ■ Harbor Board. The retrenchment proposals of the Harbor Board have been finally agreed to. The changes come in force on the Ist July. The Railway Fire. The fire at the railway offices is believed to have been purely accidental. The department finds temporary accommodation at the minister's office.