BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

Westport Times, Volume VI, Issue 999, 27 August 1872, Page 2

BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

DECISION OF THE COMMITTEE BE WESTLA.ND LAND PUBCHASE. (FBOSI OTJB OWN COEKESPOXDEXT.) WELLINGTON. August 21. The committee on O'Conor's case have reported as follows : 1. That he intended purchasing the land in question before a special value was attached to it by the action of the committee. 2. That he was present at the meeting of the committee, and could have heard their decision. 3. That he states on oath he did not hear it, and the committee are bound to believe him. 4. That immediately the decision was published, and before any disturbance was made, he offered to surrender his purchase. 5. That by documentary evidence he satisfactorily accounted for having made the purchase at the time he did. 6. That he did not in the transaction act dishonorably, and there was nothing in his conduct derogatory to his character as a member of the House. The committee also stated that they attached no importance to Mr Langdon's declaration in the matter. Mr Stafford moved that the House receive the report of the Select Committee in the O'Conor case, with great satisfaction. Mr Fox seconded the motion. Mr O'Conor spoke at some length regarding his persecution by malicious evil-minded enemies. Mr Luckie defended the action of the Nelson Provincial Council. The motion was adopted. The verdict at the inquest on Aruot, late proprietor of the ' VVairarapa Mercury,' was that he died of strychnine, supposed to be self-administered. The ' Mercury' has changed its title to the ' "VVairarapa Standard.'

NELSON. Major Patton, a retired Indian officer, fell down the hold of the William Provvse. Hopes are entertained of his recovery. In a new deep drive in the Perseverance claim, Colingwood, rich stone has been struck. From one piece of 201bs weight 38oz were crushed in a Berdan: REEFTON. A large indignation meeting has been held and resolutions condemning Mr Mirfin's conduct in blocking up the road by felling timber, carried unanimously. The co-operation of a Greymouth Committee is sought. A telegram was received from Mr Beeves giving permission to pack-horses to use the road, but Mr Mitfin refuses. His conduct is severely condemned. Serious disturbances among packers and roadman are apprehended. GIIAHAMSTOWN. In tho Caledonian claim, there is a great improvement throughout the mine. Gold has been struck at a low level, and shares have advanced to £33 10s Cures have 15cwt of speei-

mens for crushing. A dividend is ex. pected of ten shillings, shares 17s 6d. Monatairis, buyers 60s. Bright Smile, buyers 355. AUCKLAND. Fiji papers received by the schooner Seagull, state that there was a debate in the Fijian Parliament in reference to the Polynesian Company's Bill, which was passed. It cedes 200,000 acres for £9,000; and in consideration of a further payment of £2OO to the King, agrees to cede to the company freedom from taxation and certain banking privileges. Edward Trott dropped down dead in the streets of Levuka. He was subject to fits, and leaves a wife and six children in New Zealand. Parliament has changed direct to indirect taxation; and the change is found to work well. DTJNEDIN. Breadstuff:—Grroin is firmer. Flour, £l3 to £l3 10s. Wheat in irood demand at 5s 3d to 5s 6d. Malting barley, 5s 9d; feeding, 4s 6d. Oats, dull, Is lOd to 2s.