LATEST AUCKLAND NEWS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2272, 1 February 1887, Page 2

LATEST AUCKLAND NEWS.

|BY TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] The Minister of Lands. Auckland, Monday Night. Mr Ballance has received several deputations. Mr Mackay presented a petition from the members of the Ngatihaua tribe, praying for a re-hearing of their claims to the Rohi Potai blocks. A number of Waikato natives were also in attendance. Mr Ballance promised to give the matter his consideration. A deputation from the Waitemata County Council interviewed Mr Ballance re the depredations of gum-diggers and the destruction of forests. Mr Ballance pointed out difficulties in the way, but promised to give the matter consideration after the receipt of the reports of the Conservators of Forests. Messrs Brothers and Cook waited upon the hon. gentlemati as a deputation representing intending special settlers, and laid before him a new scheme of special settlement lately propounded in public by Mr Cook. This plan has been somewhat modified since originally stated. The deputation requested Mr Ballance to open a block of 4500 acres of Crown Lands in the Thames Valley for settlement under this scheme. The Minister, who expressed himself very favourable with regard to the proposal, promised to lay the matter before the Cabinet, and do all in his power to further the views of the deputation. Sash and Door Company. At the Sash and Door Company's meeting the report showed a balance of loss for the year of £10,029. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report, stated that the great balance on the wrong side of the ledger was mainly due to the depreciation in the value of timber, and the almost total cessation of the building industry. He then spoke upon the probability of the new market for kauri being opened in England. He also spoke upon the possibility in the near future of calling the shareholders together to consider the advisability of reconstructing the company. The report was adopted without discussion, and Mr Mitchelson, a director, was re-elected. Supreme Court. Judge Ward was so indisposed to-day that tiie civil case set down in the civil sessions had to be postponed. The Barrier Murder. It is possible that Judge Ward may go to Wellington to confer with Ministers re the Barrier case, but nothing is decided.