BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 270, 3 April 1873, Page 5

BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

(From the New Zealand Press Association.) Wellington, March 24. The Government have purchased the Port Chalmers and Dunedin Railway on the following terms : — They acquire the L 120,000 of the Company's stock at L 6 5s per share, and take up the liabilities or debentures for LIOO.OOO. The total purchase money is L 175,000. The Company asked L 220.000. The full Cabinet will probably meet ab the end of the present week. It is understood that Mr Yogel will accept the Premiership and reconstruct the Ministry. It is said that Mr Whitaker has been asked to join, with a seat in the Legislative Council. Auckland, March 25. The meeting of the South British Association was largely attended. Mr Beetham, Chairman of the Board of Directors, moved an increase in the capital of the company by the issue of 12,500 new shares, L2O each, 30s to be paid up; 10s paid on allotment, and the balance within one month from date of allotment. The whole number of ne v shares not to be allotted before the Ist June, and the balance remaining unsold after that date to be retained until 24th March, 1874 ; after which date the directors to have power to dispose of such unsold shares at such preminm as they may determine upon, not being less than the market price of shares at the time of sale, and that the premium receivedfor the sale of 12,500, or such portion thereof as may be sold, be carried to a reserve fund. The motion was received unanimously. Mr Thomson, a representative from the South, offered no opposition, and expressed his thanks for the kindness shown him by the directors, and for the frank manner in which he had been received at Auckland. A proposed change in the Customs is on the tapis. Mr Lundon, sub-collector at the Thames, is expected to be removed to the West Coast. Nelson, March 25. A large and influential meeting was held last night, to consider the subject of inlan I communication. The Superintendent was in the chair. The proposal to construct a railway from Foxhill to the West Coast was unanimously adopted, and a committee appointed to draw up the prospectus of the proposed company. The inhabitants are likely to subscribe capital liberally. Kich auriferous and coal deposits, and much valuable timbered land, it is believed, will be opened up by this railway. March 26. Turf Handicap, to-day, Malvina, 1 ; Slander, 2 ; Peeress, 3. Wellington, March 26. Sir George Arney is unable to leave Auckland before Monday, when he will leave with Mr Yogel and Mr M'Lean for Wellington. Balclutha, March 26. A man named Humphreys died yesterday under the influence of chloroform, administered by Dr Smith for the purpose of performing a surgical operation. Documents found on deceased prove him to be a son of the late Alderman Humphreys, who, nine years ago, was Lord Mayor of London. An inquest is now (7 p.m.) being held. Wellington, March 27. Dr Featherston has established a depot for emigrants at Plymouth. Auckland, March 27. Mr Quick has left to establish a line of coaches from Tauranga to Napier. Chkistchurch, March 28. A Volunteer encampment is to be held at Easter. Volunteers from Dunedin and Wellington are expected to be present. It is suggested that the next Interprovincial regatta should be held at Lyttelton. Captain Hawtrey and party sailed in a yacht for Akaroa three days ago. Nothing has been heard of them since, and part of a bowsprit and a water-bottle have been found. It is feared that all have perished. A railway employe", named Charles Stevens, was sent last night to clear the tunnel for a special train, and was run over by the trainjand killed. March 29. The programme for the Queen's Birthday Races, has beeu settled. Entries and acceptances for the Handicap close on May 19; for other races on May 9. The new Spinning and Weaving Company has been registered, and upwards of 1,300 shares have been taken up. Wellington, March 28. The City Council has agreed to accept Messrs O'Neill and Thomas's proposals for constructing street tramways. March 29. The Corporation offer a premium of LSO for the best scheme of disposing of City sewerage — the cost not to exceed L 50,000. Auckland, March 29. Considerable excitement has been caused by fresh discoveries of coal and iron in the vicinity of Auckland. Captain John Salmon, one of the oldest settlers in the Colony, is dead. Acting-Governor Arney, Mr Yogel, and Mr M'Lean are expected to leave the Manukau to-morrow. Foot-rot has been introduced at Poverty Bay by sheep from Nelson.