INTER-PROVINCIAL NEWS.

Westport Times, Volume VIII, Issue 1165, 7 April 1874, Page 4

INTER-PROVINCIAL NEWS.

At the recent Maori meeting, at Kaiapoi, 500 male Maoris wore present. George Grey Tairoa, M.H.E., opened the proceedings in a speech condemnatory of the action of the Government towards the Maoris of this island. The objects of the meeting are to inquire in what particulars the purchase by the Government of Waipounanui was wrong. 2. Whether promises regarding schools and hospitals, by which Maoris were induced to sell, have been fulfilled. 3. How much money has to bo paid, or land returned by Governmeutin fulfillment of their promises. 4, To take the opinion of the meeting upon the question whether they approve of the demand made by George Grey Tairoa in Parliament in 1573 for £5,000,000 compensation for unfulfilled claims in this island. 5. To inquire into the rental arising from reserves retained in the hands of the Government or leased by them. G. To decide what means must be taken to make the Government fulfil its promises, and whether the question shall be brought before the New Zealand or English Parliament, or into the Courts. Other Natives spoke strongly against the treatment of the Government to the Maoris of this island. No decision has vet been come to.

The Government agricultural statistics just published for the Province of Canterbury, gives the following estimated yield:—Acres under wheat, 71,82G; estimated yield, 1,700,733 bushels; oats, 4615 acres, 88,918 bushels; barley, 0200 acres, 219,000 bushels; potatoes, 1553 acres, 8322 tons ; other crops, 10,178 acres ; total acreage under crops, in Province, including sown grasses, 382,177 acres. At the Otago Mining Conference, the other day, it was suggested that all gold sold to the one bank agreed upon should be assayed, the bank giving at first an advance, as for retorted gold and after assay, paying balance according to standard value, and seudiug assay report to depositior. The Mount Ida Chronicle states that the Bank of New South Wales agrees to this. Parcels to be not less than ten ounces each.

The Bruce Herald says that several of the oldest and most successful of the Blue Spur gold miners have lately purchased large interests in claims upon the Maercwhenua goldfields. alter personally inspecting the locality of operations. £SOO is said to have been paid by them for an interest in one claim, and £SOO for a one-eighth share in another, which fact speaks well for the probable fortune yet in store for this promising goldfiek'i. A Mr Vessy Stewart, who is described as an " Irish Magistrate of the County Tyrone," arrived at Wellington by the steamer Mongol, and after remaining there a few days, will proceed to Auckland. The object of his visit is to ascertain what special inducements New Zealand holds out for the formation of special settlements, to be colonised from the North of Irelaud. As Mr Delamain's race-horses were being shipped at Lyttelton a few days since one of the sailors belongiug to the s.s. Lady Bird had a narrow escape of being killed. The ltevoke colt was being slung on board, and although orders were given for every one to get out of the way, a sailor belonging to the steamer did not do so in time, and the colt on being lifted, struck out with his hind feet, aud caught the man a blow on the side of his face. At first it was thought the sailor was dead, as he fell clown insensible. In a short time, however, he recovered, and with the exception of a disfigured lace, he was able to proood on the voyage.