LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Southland Times, Issue 1693, 24 January 1873, Page 2

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Auckland, Jan. 23. Upwards of 2000 Natives have assembled at Maungatautari. Speechmaking commences to-mcrrow. Pakehas are all summoned to attend. It is believed that Tawhiao will be present. Grahamstown, Jan. 23. The miners are intensely anxious for the opening of the Upper Thames Many are already going there. The Advertiser says it will positively be opened in ten dayß. Wellington, Jan. 23. Mr CarrutherS reports that the proposed branch line from Kaiapoi to Eyreton will not pay working expenses. The Government have consequently decided not to construct it at present. A telegram from Dr Featherston, dated the 10th inst., announces that there is now greater activity in emigration, and the shipment of railway material. Every facility has been provided for the shipment of Otago emigrants from the Clyde. Kails for 135 miles of line have been shipped up to the present time. In reference to the change of contract for the conveyance of immigrants, he warns the Government against the danger of entrusting it to inexperienced hands. The Superintendent of Nelson offers the Government to accept the liability of half the cost of the railway to the Brunner coal mine, if the other half is secured on the coal reserve on the Westland side of the river. The tender of the Auckland Packet Company for a monthly service from Auckland to Fiji, at £100 per trip of 28 days, has been accepted subject to the approval of the vessel by the Superintendent of Auckland. The contractors propose the Star of the South.

I The New Zealand Steamship Company's tender for a Fiji service,, starting from Port Chalmers and calling at all the ports to Auckland, was £600 per trip. The dinner of the Old Colonists' Association was largely attended by old settlers from all parts of the Colony. Stewart, lajEe warder of the Lunatic Asylum,, has been arreated 911 a ch.arge of rape, committed on a female patient/ who has given birth to a child. The new regulations for the conduct of public business have been gazetted. Allappointments above £200 a year, are ti(3§||: be made under the- Civil Service Act By the Governor, with the consent of- the Executive, and all paid appointments must be gazetted. Dttnedis, Jan, 23. The Governor has pardoned the five remaining Maori political prisoners in the gaol. At Messrs Driver, Stewart and Co'a wool sale, prices were fully equal to last quotations. The Heart of Oak has declared a dividend of 2a.