BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

Westport Times, Volume VI, Issue 967, 3 May 1872, Page 2

BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

(PBOM OUE OWN CORKESPONBENT3.) NELSON. May 2. In the Council the Town Improvement Bill was introduced last night, containing a provision that the Act may be introduced in any tjwn in the province on the petition of fifty householders. The Board of Management to consist of eight members, to be elected in wards if desired. Such board to have power to levy rates on the estimated selling value of properties at not less than one halfpenny or more than twopence in the" pound. Special rates for special purposes to be imposed on the representation of two thirds of the owners of property in any street. All moneys appropriated for town purposes by the Provincial Council to be expended by the Local Boards. The races take place to-morrow and Saturday.

BLUFF. May 2. The Albion arrived yesterday, having left Melbourne on the 24th ult. Parliament meets on the 30th. The advocates of the Permissive Bill are strongly agitating the subject. The trial of the Rev. Mr Abrahams and wife for cruelty to a child, a servant has resulted in a verdict tantamount to not proven. Great dissatisfaction is felt thereat. Mrs Davis has been found guilty of attempting to poison her husband. Sentence deferred. Street, her paramour, is now under trial as accessory to the act. Wilkie, indicted for the murder of Harry Pusain, of Daylesford, is under trial at Castlemaiue. There is little doubt of his conviction. Captain M'Lean, of the Albion, is suffering severely from rheumatism, and is unable to move without assistance. LYTTELTON". Lieut.-Colonel Harrington has inspected the Lyttelton and Christchurch Volunteers. The firing was good. Some of the spectators had a narrow escape, owing to the vent of the Armsstrong gnn being blown up. DUNEDIN. The people of Dunedin have decided to give E. B. Cargill a dinner and testimonial. A petition against the Moa Flat sale, bearing 2000 signatures, has been forwarded to the General Government - Favorable news has been received from Martin's Bay. The settlers are doing well. The crops are excellent. Mr D. Eeid has addressed his constituents at the Taieri. He strongly condemns the policy of the Government, especially in relation to finance. A vote of confidence was passed.