INTERPROVINCIAL.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 291, 21 May 1898, Page 2

INTERPROVINCIAL.

(BY TELEGRAPH-PRESS ASSOCIATION). Wellington, Last Nißht. Tiik Mayor aud Councillors visited the Royal Arthur to-day and extended, on belnlf of the citizens, a hearty welcome to Admiral Pearson. A man named John Cummins was committed for trial on a charge of assaulting Arthur J. Maher by striking him on the head with a bottle. The Civil Service volunteer corps which has been accepted by the Government now numbers 78. The Post and Telegraph Department are forming a corps and have asked the Government to accept their services. Mr A. H. Johnston has been appointed signal engineer to the New Zealand Railways. He has had considerable experience in England and the United States, and it, will be his duty to design and develop a uniform scheme for interlocking points and signals, improvements in the present system having been fonud absolutely necessary. The signal cabins in use are to be fitted up with more modern appliances and the number increased. An extensive set of plans are being prepared, and the first steps towards the new installation will be taken in the Wellington yards. Out of ten applications for the post of pilot the Harbour Board has selected Capt. Dawson, second mate of the steamer Wainui. A deputation of brewers asked the Premier to modify certain penal clauses in the licensing legislation which were felt to press unfairly on the trade and cause considerable hardship. The Premier said he was in sympathy with the deputation, whose views were moderate and reasonable. He promised to do all in his power to bring about an equitable readjustment. Stratford, Last Night. The Hon. John McKenzie addressed a densely-packed meeting last night. The speech was most'y devoted to Mr Scobie Mackenzie's address at Auckland. The Minister twitted him with never being four years on the same side, and denied that the Government ever influenced the votes of Civil servants. A vote of thanks and confidence was carried by accumulation, as against one of thanks only, and a cheer was given for the Government. Napier, Last Night. Wm. Douglas, died from chebt affection, following influenza. He arrived in the colony 48 years ago. He was a wellknown racing man, and owned Mutiny, Toriki and Donald McKiunon, which are runuing under his colours at Auckland, Christohcrch, Last Night. The Christchurch Jockey Club gave Mr Tabart, who has acted as judge for the last ten years, a life membership and a cheque for a hundred guineas. A shock of earthquake was felt at 7.15 a.m., accompained by loud rumbling.