BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

Westport Times, Volume VI, Issue 992, 2 August 1872, Page 2

BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

(PES OnEVILriIi'sTKLEOItAM; COMPANY .) WELLINGTON. QOVKKHMfc.NT BUILDINGS, August I, 3.40 p.m. Brogden offered to form a company in London, to construct the New Zealand railways, on the following conditions. Two continuous main lines to be constructed, one in the North Island leading from Wellington via the AVairarapa, Mauawatu Gorge, and Wangauui, to Tarauaki, with ultimate extension to join a line from Auckland to Cambridge. Junction to be affected as soon as political circumstances permit. The other main line in the Middle Island leading from Itivercargill via. Duuedin, Oamaru, Timaru, and Temu'va, to Waiau, up the Hope branch of that river, and down the Al aura to Greymouth, thence south to Ross, and north to Reefton, with ultimate extension to Nelson and Picton. The company to purchase all existing lines and plant in both Islands including Lyttelton and Chriatchureh railways, at a valuation not exceeding the original cost. Division made for further extension when required by the Government. The cost of lines not to exceed eight thousand per mile, including rolling stock, under guarantee of five per cent on capital expeudid for a period of forty years. 5 p.m. In the House to-day, Mr Harrison asked the Government if it is intended in the estimates to include provision for paying out of consolidated funds, a portion of the salaries of Resident Magistrate's on the Nelson South West Goldfields and county of Westlaud. Mr Vogel said the Government had no intention to alter the system adopted last year. The matter would be dealt with in the Budget. Mr O'Neill in commenting on the immigration returns, forcibly pointed out the neglect of Ireland as an emigration field. Mr White, of Hokitika, moved for production of correspondence between the General Government and County of Westland, in reference to the Government impounding a large amount of Goldfields revenue of the county. Motion agreed to. The House passed the second readins of Bill (Permissive ?) by twenty eight to twenty-six. Munro, Luckie, and O'Conor, voted with the Ayes. Collin?, R. Richardson, Seymour, and Shepherd with the Noes. (Title of Bill omitted by our correspondent) GREYMOUTH. August 1. A narrow escape of fire occurred in the ' Star' Oflice to-day- Part of the roof was burned. The fire arose through the stove pipe becoming disjointed at the roof, and was unnoticed until the flames had got a fair hold of the wooden ridging. The fire-bells were immediately rang, aud prompt means taken to subdue the outbreak. Loss only a few pounds.