INTER-PROVINCIAL NEWS.

Westport Times, Volume VIII, Issue 1144, 23 January 1874, Page 4

INTER-PROVINCIAL NEWS.

DUNEDIN. The wreck of the Surat has brought into prominence the necessity that exists for the extension of the telegraph to the Nuggets lighthouse. The Otago Times says the expense would be only about £2OO, and the line once erected one of the light-keepers might be taught to work it at that end. Independent of the value in a case of distress of the telegraph being extended to this point, it would be of service in reporting vessels passing. Ships from Britain, in particular, might be reported, and the Immigration authorities in Dunedin would thus be afforded a day at least in which to make preparation for the reception of immigrants. The vital statistics of Dunedin lately published, are in some things a little remarkable. The number of registered births, which in 1869 were 1081, were but 1092 in 1872, and only reached 1117 in 1873. A.s the population during the intervening four years must have largely increased, and more than 1000 marriages have taken place in the interval, the fact disclosed ia at least singular. A gathering of natives takes place at the Otago Heads on the 22nd inst., to petition the General Government for compensation for unfulfilled pledges relative to the purchase of the Middle Island, for which they claim £10,000,000. It is expected that 200 natives will be present, also many Europeans. A Council-house has been built for the purpose, 50 feet by 30 feet. The Government have sent a number of presents for the occasion. The whole affair will wind up with a ball. A citizens' ball was given to Captain Jacquemare, of the Erench war-ship, on Monday last. The Provincial Government presented him with a testimonial consisting of a magnificent silver tea service, for his conduct in assisting the immigrants by the Surat. A testimonial was also presented at the same time time by the City Council. CANTEEBTJEY. Mr Debourbel reports a good demand for National Bank and National Insurance shares. Sellers :—National Bank, Gss; National Insurance, 23s ; South British, 455; Shipping Company, 13s ; Gas Company, third issue, 60s; Spinning and Weaving Company, 30a. Buyers: National Insurauce, 22s ; South British, 42s Gd. It is intended to get up a monster tea party and picnic during the session of the New Zealand "Wesleyan Conference, which meets in Christchurch this month.

The Soiree of the Primitive Methodists at Timaru, in connection with the laying of the foundation-stone of a new chapel, was an unprecedented success. Over 300 persons sat down. Several ministers of other denominations were present.

MAELBOEOUGH. The Express says:—" We are informed that the writs for the election of the Superintendent and for the Provincial elections have been signed, and will be received by the next mails from Wellington, consequently we may assume that these events will come off in about six or seven weeks hence." For the Superintendency, Mr Seymour and Captain Baillie are the only candidates at present, and it is not likely that any other gentleman will come forward. ■WELLINGTON. The Wanganui Herald remarking upon the prosperity of the Wairoa district says : —Within three years no less than seventy miles of permanent fencing has been done, and the fern is rapidly disappearing and giving place to English-grassed paddocks, the whole district being dotted over with comfortable homesteads. It is an extraordinary circumstance, but nevertheless true, that within three years (the duration of the settlement) not a solitary death has occurred of man, woman, or child. This speaks volumes for the climate and the race of settlers in this happy country. AUCKLAND. The Star's special correspondet at Ngaruawahia telepraphs that the turning of the sod of the Waikato railway extension did not create much excitement. Very few settlers were in, and hardly any natives. There was a general expression of regret that so little notification was given. Dr Pollen and Mr Mackay were there. Dr Pollen delivered an address in explanation of the event, and of the method in which the works were to be carried out. The Superintendent addressed the Europeans and Maoris, and cheers were given for every one, from the Queen downwards. The sod was dug by his Honour in the approved style, and success to the railway was drunk in bumpers.

The General Government have caused nearly the entire stoppage of the railway works at Aucldand by the engagement of labourers at 425. per week for the railway in the "Waikato, to be constructed by the government itself.