Telegraphic Despatches.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 262, 6 February 1873, Page 5

Telegraphic Despatches.

(From tlie " Daily Times.") Wellington, Fehruary 4th. The "Independent" states that unless the Newcastle coal trade is speedily restored, there will be a perfect coal famine. New Zealand, it says, has made itself dependent on the other Colonies for an article which is going a-begging at its own door. Had our Government done as the Governments of Australia have done, New Zealand would now be independent of a foreign supply, to the great material advantage of the Colony. The " Independent " also says that the West Coast is occupying a large amount of attention, because the coal there is superior to any in the Southern Hemisphere. There is really no limit to the amount of coal on the Grey River fields, but with the snpineness of the local Government and the want of determination of the General Legislature, this magnificent Colonial estate is greatly neglected. Christchurch, February 4th. Bishop Moran in two addresses severely condemned the educational system in operation here. The church was crowded to excess on both occasions.

Lyttblton, February 4th. The Sara Dreyfus, which sailed to-day for New York, took 1645 bales of wool, 71 bales of Cphormium ?), and 2128 skins, the total value of her cargo beiivj L 5200. Arrowtown, February 4th. The body of Gordon Smith, a man who had been missing for a week, was found at Maori Point. The rumor of foul pl»y was not true, the jury's verdict at tie inquest being to the effect that he died from violent dysentery, arising from excessive drinking.