TELEGRAPHIC

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3752, 5 March 1891, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC

(Per Press Association).

Auckland, March 4. Tlie eleventh annual exhibition of the Auckland Art Society was opened tbis evening by his Excellency tho Governor, who wis present with the Countess of Onslow. The Earl of Onslow, in his address on the occasion, spoke of the opportunities for art in New Zealand in the magnificent scenery in all parts of the colony, and in the Native race, with their picturesque dress and l&ttoed faces ; whilst Auckland artists had further advantages because of the bequests of Mr McKelvie. Timabu, March 4. George F. Clulee. Secretary of the local Freezing Company, goes home by tli3 Arawa on a holiday trip. He will attend to the interests of the frozen meat trade while in England. The Midland Railway-

Reduction of the Property-Tax AssessmentChiustchurch, March 4. ThePraperty Tax Reviewers today reduced the the Midland Railway Companv, £775,928 6s, to £260,738 4s 9d, " being the amount which the Company objected to as not representing its assets in the Colony.

Steamers As-round at Sokitlk*.

Hokitika, March 4.

As the Anchor Line steamer Kennedy was going down the river this afternoon she touched on the shingle bank near the Signal Station and grounded. The steamer" VVaipara crossed the bar and steamed ivp>to the wharf shortly afterwards withmt any trouble; but the anchor Liner Charles Edward, following a few minutes after the Waipara, touched within a few yards of the Kennedy, having kept too olose to the shore. Neither vessel is likely to suffer any harm, and both will probably be floated off during this morning's tide.

Accidents and Patalitlof. Dunkdin, March 4. - A. inan named John Marratt fell a distance of 20 feet from a aoaffolding last Wednesday, and received injuries to his bead, which resulted in his death last night. At the inquest a, verdict of accidental death was returned, the jury adding a rider recommending the appointment of some person whose duty it would be to see that all scaffolding should be substantial and properly fixed,

A Fatal Tight Dunedin, March 4. At the Supreme Court Henry Cecil was charged with the manslaughter of John Cameron. This was a case in which there was a dispute between Ceoil and Cameron with water running to waste in connection with their mining claims. A fight was arranged and took place in the dark, and at one stage it was alleged the accusedjoffered to stop the fight, but it was gone on with, and Cameron got severely punished and gave in. Cameron was afterwards taken bad, and medical aid was sent for, Cameron dying while being taken to the hotel, There was no suggestions that the fight was not a fair one, but the law decided that fighting was unlawful,, and if death resulted to one of thflft parties engaged it was manslaughter at least, or under some circumstances, murder. The jury, after 20 minutes retirement, returned a verdict of not guilty, and Cecil was discharged. A noil prosequi was entered in the coroner's inquisition in both the oases of both Cecil and Ah Yam, and the sessions concluded.

FEDERAL CONVENTION-

ARRIVAL OF BIU GEO. GREY.

SIR H. PARKES INTRODUCES

THE BUSINESS. PRELIMINARY RESOLUTIONS, Sydney, March 4. Sir George Grey, who arrived by the Tarawera this morning, is in good health. The Federal Convention resumed its sittings this morning, when Sir George Grey took his seat. The adjourned debate on the question of admitting the press concluded by a resolution being carried that both press and public should be admitted unless otherwise decided on order of the President.

This practically opens the committees to the press. Sir S. Griffith took the chair to enable Sir Henry Parkes to move the following:— " In order to establish a seoure and enduring foundation for the structure of the Federal Government principles embodied in the resolutions, the following be agreed to : "1. Th,at the powers, and territorial rights of tha several existing colonies shall remain intact,, except in respect to such surrenders as 'may be agreed upon as necessary and inoideutal to the power and authority of the National Federal Government.

"2. That trade aud intercourse between the federated colonies, whether by means of land, carriage or coastal navigation, shall be absolutely free. " 3. That the power and authority to impose Customs be exclusively lodged in the Federal Government and Parliament, subject to such disposal of revenues thence derived a 9 shall be agreed upon. "4. That the military and naval defence of Australia bo "entrusted to Federal forces under one command." Subject to these and necesßory provisions, this convention approves the framing of a Federal Constitution which shall establish : 1. A Parliament to consist of a Senate and House of Representatives, the former consisting of an equal number of members from oacli provinoe, to be elected by a system which shall provide for the retire* Jment of one-third of the members I every years, so securing to thijt body itself perpetual bined with definite responsibiwJkJS. the electors. The Lower House to be elected by districts formed on a population basis, and to possess the sole power of originating and amending Bills, appropriating revenue, or imposing taxation. 2. A Judiciary, consisting of ».. • Federal Supreme Court, which Bhattt,, constitute the High Court of Appeal; for Australia under the direct authority of the Sovereign, whose decisions as such shall be final. 8. An Executive, consisting of a Governor-General and such persons as may from time to time be appointed as his advisers, auoh persons sitting in Parliament, and whose term of office shall depend upon their pos--seesingthe confidence of the House of Representatives, expressed by the support of a majority.