LATEST SOUTHERN NEWS.

Waikato Times, Volume IV, Issue 232, 4 November 1873, Page 2

LATEST SOUTHERN NEWS.

(From the New Zba.i,aici> Herali>.) Napier, Friday. Four tenders were sent, in for Pakipnki to Waipukurau railway. Brogien's was the lowest, uni will probably be accepted. Wellington, Friday. Wauionga bridge opened yesterday with great demonstration. At noon the Superintendent, Provincial Secretary, and the Mayor of Wellington drove across the bridge in a carriage, followed by a cavalcade of 500 on horseback. Between two and three hundred sat down to luncheon in the afternoon, Mr Waterhouse occupying the chair. Mr Waterhome P'oposed the health of the Superintendent, and complimented the Provincial Government on the last two years' progress. He also said that the influence of the Superintendent in the Hou-»e of Representatives was greater at the present period than at any former one. The Superintendent, in referring to the up lull work which the Government had, said he did not object to the colonial scheme of public works itself, but complained tuat it impeded rather than helped necessary provincial works, like a speculative cobbler who, while devising admirable schemes of utility, permitted his own children to run barefooted. The Superintendent proposed the health of Mr Waterhouse, ns one who was really a good colonist. The celebration was the greatest ever seen in the district. A ball was given in the evening at Martin's, Otaria. The City Council have fixed a property rate of a shilling in the pound on annual value. The ropurt about Lady Fergusson being upset is not true. It was Mrs Ferguson and Mrs Johnston who were in tlic carriage. Neither were hurt, only a little frightened. ! Affidavits re Tapscott prisoners were filed and forwarded ' to Wiinganui, where the Supreme Court is sitting. Saturday. The Times Newspaper Company has succeeded in purchasing the Wellington Independent' Mr McKenzie, late proprietor, receives an appointment on the new paper, and is the second largest shareholder. Mr Vogel is said to be the largest. Wanganui, Saturday. The Luna crossed the bar at 8 a.m., and the Governor landed at 10. The Mayor read an addreaa; Mr Kemp also read a Maori address, to both of which His Excellency made replies. A baluto of^ighteen guns was fired, and the Volunteers escorted the Governor to the Royal Hotel. There was mi levee. A public lunch was held at 1 p.m., at which 150 were present. Great enthusiasm was expressed. The Governor goes in the saddle to the residence of the Hon Mr Fox. The Tapjcott application was made to-day by Mr Travers for the discharge of the prisoners, which was refused on the ground that under the 12th section of the Act, two months must date from the decision of the habeas corpus and not from the original commitment. The application may be renewed after the 26th, if the prisoners have not left the colony. Dunedin, Friday, The Nem Zealand war medtl was presented to Corporal Rivers last night. He served under Yon Tempsky in the North Island. The session of the Otago University cloied last night. The Synod, yesterday, passed a resolution asking the Government to permit religious teaching in Government ichools for the first half-hour. A new periodical, termed the Tntthkeeper, has been start od. Saturday. The cricketers are practising heavily. Match to-day, Married v. Single. The latter won, with only one wicket down. They feel certain of beating the Auckland team. The Guardian came out this morning the same size as the Melbourne Age, and will continue so. Invercargill, Saturday. McLood proceeds to Canada as Immigration Agent in the interest of Otago. He U now on a tour through Southland, and has visited several parts of the interior. He it much impressed with the suitability of the district for the location of immigrants. He is astonished to find the advanced condition and magnitude of agricultural operations carried on here. — A report has been received from Orepuki that a seam of coal and shale has been discovered. The shale, tested in rotort, produced oil which readily ignited and burnt freely. The diggers there are using shale instead of fire-kiadlers.