SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

Waikato Times, Volume XIII, Issue 1088, 14 June 1879, Page 2

SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

[press agenot.] AUCKLAND, last nightT' A triumphal arch ia Queen-slrcet, for the Governor's reception, has been commenced. Mr ft. Graham has brought his family from Jlotorua. The Board of Education resolved to make additions to the teacher's house at Kihikihi ; also, to ask the Government to sanction the distribution of a grant for Libraries : Ten shillings for Borough, and fifteen for County libraries, upon every pound locally raised. GRAHMSTOWN, last night. It is stated that if Mr Vesey Stewart cannot get Mr Prichard's block he would go m for part of the Te Aroha block when it is thrown open. NELSON", last night. At Dovedale, 20 miles from Nelson, two brothers, Lewis and Albert Honaton, aged 13 and II respectively, went out rabbit shooting, Lewis saw a rabbit and raised his gun and pull the trigger, when just at that moment Albert ran across the line of fire, and the whole charge lodged m his head, causing instantaneous death. At the Nelson Artillery parade the men were asked how many would go to the front m the event of their services being required, when the whole company stopped forward to a man. NEW PLYMOUTH, last night. New arrangements are mode for the defence of Waihi m case of an attack. The redoubt will be defended by Militia and Volunteers, the Constabulary taking the field' tp protect settlers' homesteads. Major Noakes enrolled and armed 277 Volunteers at Normanby and ilawera m two days. In the Waihi and Patea districts settlers are disgusted at the action of the^ Maoris, and are, anxious to to go m and have it out at once and ■ for ever. Over 150 recently recruited Armed Constabulary are now m Mount Cook borracks ready to be sent to the West Coast. 50 more recruits are coming by the Ladybird from Napier. NEW PLYMOUTH, Thursday. The suspension of farming operations, consequent on the present state of insecurity, has already thrown numbers of working men out of employment, and the loss to settlers with no crops to reap at harvest will be very great. WELLINGTON, last night. The 'New Zealandor' states on reliable information that Government intend proceeding with the West Coast railway without delay. WELLINGTON, Thursday! Nothing further has transpired re the Speakership of the Legislative Council, but it is rumored that the appointment will be offered to Sir William Fitzherberfc. Several rumors are afloat as to its probable reception by Sir William, one being that he will refuse it m order to assume the Leadership of the Opposition party m the House of Representatives. It is stated m well-in formed circles that any incrsase m the Land Tax which may be proposed nrxt session, will not affect properties under £1500 m value, an:! iv regard to which the present rate of one halfpenny m the pound will be maintained. WELLINGTON, .Friday. S : r Wm. JFitzherbert has accepted ;he Speakership of the Legislative Council, s '

Mr H. Jackson, late Chief Surveyor, will probably be a candidate for the Hutt. GISBORNE, Thursday. Europeans m this district state that the fighting strength of the Ngatiporous, which had been put down at a thousand, is altogether wrong, and the Government are over-rating that tribe's assistance. The Maoris here, while perfectly loyal to the Queen, show no desire to fight against their countrymen on the West Coast. The Ngatiporous also dread a raid upon their settlement by Te Kooti m the event of their going to Waimate. It is well-known here that Te Kooti has gained a large number of converts to his religion during the last twelve months m his district. There is no occasion . for alarm here, bnt the Government need not expect over 300 natives, unless on most outrageous terms, sncb as high pay, grants of land, and the best needle guns. DUNEDIN, Thursday. The total contributi on to the Xaitangata Relief Fund is upwards of £15,000. Of this £10,000 was collected m Otago alone, while fully naif of the total contributed is represented by sums of £1 and under. Brother John Hye Harris, Right Worshipful District Giand for the province of Otago and Southland, E.C., has intimated to the various Lodges under his jurisdiction, his desire that the members should wear Masonic mourning for three months, out of respect to the memory of the late Brother Lazar, G.M. for the province of Westland, and late Deputy G.M. for this provinpe. WELLINGTON, Thursday. A special to-night from Ilawera says : Information was received here yesterday that a heavily laden dray, guarded by six Maoris, and supposed to contain arms and ammunition, Was observed on the road, going m the direction of Hawera. Captain Marshall at once sent a few mounted constables m search of it. They were out all night, and returned this morning, without having discovere.*] any sign of the dray, which it is supposed was taken down the beach road. MAORIS SEEKING AMMUNITION. Some Maoris at Normanby offered 30s a pound for powder. They also offered four bullocks for a quantity of ammunition. The storekeeper, however, declined, and informed the Constabulary.