LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Southland Times, Issue 1662, 15 November 1872, Page 2

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Auckland, Nov. 14. Mr Beveridge, the Grand Master of the Freemasons, writes to the Southern Cross contradicting Father Norris. He says that the late Mr Freer told him, twelve months ago, that in consequence of his refusinjj to renounce freemasonry, the priests told him (Freer) that he would die the death of a dog. Mr Freer requested that if Mr Beveridge survived, he should see that he (Freer) had a masonic funeral. Mr Freer complained before hia death that the priests were continually annoying him, and urging him to renounce freemasonry. On the day of his death, Mr Freer asked Mr Beveridge to remain during the time the priests were administering the sacrament of extreme unction, so as to prevent them from again renewing their request that he -should abjure freemasonry. When asked how. the priests came to administer the sacrament to a freemason, Mr Freer said, " they stretched a point for me, but mind the masons are to bury me." Mr Charles O'Neill is a candidate for the representation of the Pensioner Settlements in the Provincial Council, vice Mr Freer, deceased. Two of Mr Brogden's navvies shipped as seamen on board the Countess of Kintore. Mr Brogden caused a summons to be served for the amount advanced in London. Judgment was obtained in one case, but in the other the man stuck to the rigging, and it was impossible for the constable to serve the summons. Wellington, Nov. 14. Mr Reynolds left for the south in the Nebraska to-day at 2 o'clock. The Governor did not go, as it was reported he would. The Horticultural Show waa but poorlyattended, owing to the bad weather. Nelson, Nov. 14. Mr Shephard, M.H.R., met his constituents at Wakefield last night, and gave an explanation of his conduct during the session. The meeting passed a vote of approval. Dunedin, Not. 14. The political interregnum continues. The Superintendent has published his correspondence with Mr Reid. Mr Reid states that he is willing to place his services at the disposal of the Provincial Council, but he "declines to retake office, because he considers that he has been subjected to au uncalled-for and unmerited indignity. The General Government are negotiating for the purchase of the Port Chalmers railway.