NEW ZEALAND.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2468, 15 February 1881, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND.

TPke “Times” Special Wire.] The Patetere Job Developing-. Auckland, Feb. 15. Janies Mackay and liussenden have arrived at Auckland to press separate claims re the Patctere block, resting on an alleged promise, on the part of the Government that if the Government did not complete the purchase, the first offer would be made to them. Mackay says he offered Dr Pollen a refund of the Government advances and 50,000 acres for a special settlement if the Government would retire from Patetcre in his favor. The Big- Dock Question. Mr McKenzie, Chairman of the Harbor Hoard, who was rejected by the city electors yesterday, on the big dock question, was nominated to represent the Parnell Borough Council on giving an assurance that he would support the construction of a dock if it was practicable without further wharfage taxation. Compulsory Education. The default officer, uudcr the compulsory education clause, reports only nine children in the city, of school ages, not attending school. Property Tax, The property tax reviewers have decided that the Building Society must pay the tax on the cash value of their shares less £'soo exemption. Converts. GiuiiAiisTOWN, Feb. 15. Mrs Hcmpsou, revivalist, had 327 psrsons who went forward last night testifying their conversion. A Harbor Battle. Wanganui, Feb. 15. The Harbor Board election yesterday caused great excitement. The battle was fought out on the question of immediate action being taken with respect to the improvements of the works outside the heads as against a delay of six months. The progress party was represented by Ballanco, Jackson, Cornfoot, and Cross, and they were returned by a large majority. Thg three candidates, for delay were Laird, Carson, and Jones. It is expected now that worksinvolving an expenditure of £25,000' will be gone on with. Nautical Enquiry. Westport, Feb. 15. An enquiry into the cause of the mishap to the steamer Charles Edward was - - held tu-day. Captain Whitwell gave-

evidence as to the vessel stranding, and said that the water-tight compartments alone saved the vessel from total loss. A crack, 5 ft long and 2ft in width, was found ip the plates under the forehold and engine-room. The compart inents have been repaired and the steamer sails for Nelson to-night. A Boy Browned. Dunedin, Feb. 15. Roderick McKenzie, son of a coach trimmer employed by Robin, eight years of age. went with some others to bathe in the Water of Leith, near Union street bridge. He had not been in long before he got out of his depth and sank. A big boy who was near at the time, went to his assistance, and after some difficulty got him out, but he was then apparently lifeless. Dr Blair who happened to be passing, at once at tended the boy, and used the ordinary means for his restoration. The boy remained unconscious, and died this morning.