BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

Westport Times, Volume VI, Issue 994, 9 August 1872, Page 2

BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

(PER GREYILLE'S TELEOKAM: COMPANY.) REDUCTION OF GOLD DUTY TO TWO SHILLINGS. MR CURTIS'S ANTI-SEPARATION MOTION CARRIED. WELLINGTON. August 8. The debate has been resumed on Collins's motion for reduction of gold duty to two shillings. White, of Hokitika, made an argumentative and effective speeech thereon and was cheered at the close. Luckie opposed the motion,. Tribe supported it. The motion was carried on the voices. The Premier called a division, which resulted in ayes, 34 ; noes, 11; tho Ministry voting with the minority. Curtis's motion deprecating all hasty changes in boundaries of existing provinces, and affirming that all alterations should be on a system of general application, was carried. Fox said that it would not deter the Government from introducing their promised bill for a uniform system of government on the West Coast. GREYMOUTII. The Separation Petition, with several thonsand signatures, has been forwarded to the Government, but with little hope of the measure being carried now during this session. AUCKLAND. Henry Cuthbertson, a clerk in the Post Office has been committed for trial for embazzleraent. It is proved that he has taken money from letters. A large public meeting has been held, protesting against the attempt to cause the administration of public works to be h inded to Provincial authorities. Nearly all the merchants present. Captain Daldy moved an adjournment in order to give country settlers an opportunity of being present. Over 500 persons were present. There was three hour? discussion, The feeling swayed considerably. At last, an equally divided centralists' and provincialista' motion was proposed in favor of the Genei al Government carrying on public work 3. Adjournment was proposed on the ground of their being insufficient evidence of the reasons which actuate! Superintendents. Caledonian shares have dropped considerably. They are now offered at £2B 10s. The Pumping Association, on the Thames Goldfields, have completed the construction of pumps of immense power. They have undertaken to pump the water out of Tookey's and other claims. Further discoveries of coal have been made on Foote's land, at Maramara. The seam is said to be seventeen feet thick. CHRTSTCHURCH. The Flax Association intend to get tip an exhibition, and give prizes from £2OO down to £SO, for tho bet dreeing fin 1 scutching

machines, The exhibition is to be held in Ue ember, A gas company is to be formed at Lyttelton. The Arowhenua Natives protest against the protection of native birds ; the putting of English fi»h into their streams; the dogtax ; and the impounding of horsoa.