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Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3141, 13 March 1879, Page 2

His Honob Judge Johnston reopened the Court of enquiry into the native claims upon the foreshore this morning. Mr Miller stated in reply to a question from His Honor that fortyeight new claims had been received since the last sitting of the Court., but that all were for land outside the portion at present required by the Harbour Board. This ij|temeut Mr E. W. Puekey supported b/oath. Hohepa Brown and John Prince were examined, and declared upon oath that their interests had been purchased, and they withdrew any objection to the land being granted to the Harbour Board. In the afternoon His Honor read his judgment, the preamble of which gave a comprehensive account of the proceedings of the Court. The decree was to the effect that he found there were no just claims of aboriginal Natives to the Thames foreshore (that is, between Tararu and Kauaeranga Creeks), and no unfulfilled contracts or engagements with the Natives respecting it. His Honor promised to have the document engrossed and deposited in the Supreme Court.

The contractors for the Waiotahi and Waio-Karaka water race tunnel are making good progress with their work. There have been now over 700 feet driven, and the country is much better for working in than it was previously. It is strange that in the 400 feet driven from the Waio-Karaka side, but one small leader, about an inch in thickness, has been cut, and only two or three small veins from the other side. This is not very encouraging news to the shareholders who took up the lease of the ground, but still there is an opinion abroad that the Mariner's reef goes through the centre of the ground, and if that body of stone is cut, a good payable lode may be brought to light. Mr Adams, the contractor for the fluming it* the Waiotahi Creek, is making good progress, and will probably I be finished in a few days. The work looks substantial, and is spokeu of as being faithfully constructed. A meeting of Officers Commanding Companies lias been requested by Major Murray to meet at the Pacifij Hotel, at half-past fire this evening, in order to make suitable arrangements for the reception of the Yolunleer representatives on their return from Nelson.

. Lieutenant W. J. Barlow, of the | Engineers, will read a lecture to-morrow ' night at the Scotia Hall, on Intrenched iCampg and the Coastal Defence of New Zealand. ,

-M^ (jgfr Carte h, who has been for B^sajsjjykya manager of Mr Burra's, book'•yitt^s; branch establishment, left the 'Tiratnes to-day for Tauranga, to manage a branch business which Mr Burra intends to open there.

At the R.M. Court this morning the only business was the granting of an extension of license to Andrew Dunn, of Salutation Hotel, to Parawai Gardens, on the occasion of the St. Patrick's Day sports. The case of Teasdale v. Teasdale was adjourned till to-morrow in consequence of the sitting of the Foreshore Claims Court at eleven o'clock.

W:e observe that the Thames Scottish Battalion are requested to parade with rifles and accoutrements at 2.00 p.m. tomorrow, to attend the funeral of the late Dr O'Flaherty. The deceased gentleman was elected Assistant Surgeon oa the. formation of the Battalion, and hrd only received his commission a week or two before his death. On the receipt of the commission, he expressed his deep regret at his failing health preventing lrm attending parades. The firing parcy will consist of members of both companies. Other Volunteers are lespectfully invited to attend, and, though the hour i 3 inconvenient, there will, no doubt, be a large muster. The brass band will also paraae, and with muffled drums.

Fob some lime (writes our Welling! on correspondent) complaints have been received at the Colonial Secretary's office with respect to the administration of the sick and destitute funds for Auckland 1, and it is understood that during the stay of the Colonial Secretary, who is going North, an inquiry will be made into the circumstances. The Government believe that a local board should be appointed, under whose instructions and directions the proper officer should act in his various duties, and although this plan might be termed giving up centralism on a small scale, I believe it is the most p udent course to adopt, as it will not only give a court of appeal from the person entrusted to administer relief, but lessen his responsibilities, end possibly give more general satisfaction to the public.—Herald. , ,