NEW ZEALAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 361, 11 March 1902, Page 1

NEW ZEALAND.

(Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, last night. The Mayfield settlers have forwarded a resolution congratulating the Premier on the honor conferred on him by the invitation to the coronation, and expressing alarm at the rumor of the possibility that his labors may he obtained for other parts of the Empire. The Premier replied, conveying thanks, and added “ I have only to say that I love New Zealand and its people. 1

have no desire to leave them. I am prnloundly unconscious of any cause of separation. I am unable and do [not try to stem the tongue of rumor.

I have observed that the idea did not originate with my friends. I conclude

that the few who kindled the notion may possibly have been influenced by th 3 wish being father to the thought. A banquet of the Farmers’ Union and Parliamentary representatives was held at Oliaewai. The local speakers strongly urged the securing of native land for settlement, and pointed out that, in addition to agricultural and pastoral land, a large area was suitable for fruit-growing and viticulture. The visiting M.s’H.R. unanimously agreed that the country they had gone through was far better than they bad expected to see, and they promised to cordially support pushing on the con. struction of the north of Auckland railway. Mr John Potter Clark has died suddenly. He was the Deputy Registrar Grand Master of Mark Master Masons, E.C., Auckland. Particulars of a serious accident at a children's gathering at Nariopu, Dargaville, show that the children crowded on to one side of a wire bridge. As many as thirty persons were precipitated 35 feet into a creek, and on shingle. While several men plunged into the water to the rescue, many other people went into hysterics. No lives were lost, but R. Ellis, aged 5 years, sustained a fractured thigh; Adela Passel, aged 12, a fractured arm ; K. Murphy, aged 15, was badly strained in the shoulder ; Rose Tiltan, Lena Austin, and Edward Riddle, severe bruises. There were many marvellous escapes from death. NAPIER, last night. Charles Currie was oharged at the Court this morning with having made a false declaration in proof of loss of a fire at Taradale. Accused was remanded till Thursday. WANGANUI, last night. In the Supreme Court, in the divorce cases Healey v. Healey and Pausen v. Pausen, decrees nisi were granted, to be made absolute at the expiration oi three months. WELLINGTON, last night, Tile Government have finally accepted tne tenner ol the Blue £>tar Company lor a direct service with South Atrica, and have cabled asking at wnat date me first steamer will be ready to leave the cotony. As soon as a reply is received, notice will be given to shippers. Claims for compensation amounting to £isuu have been made against the, Union Company in connection with the recent drowning o£ two CHRIST CHURCH, iast night.

Considerable trouble is being experienced by the local lieaim authorities owing lo passengers by the Sydney steamers giving addresses at which they cannot suusequenuy be lound. lu is stated that at present three or lour constables arc busy chasing cer-

tain passengers who have given wrong addresses. It is cousideted probable that the suecessiul tenderer for the South Airican steam service is Mr Harold Sleigh of Melbourne, who until recently ran coastal steamers under the style of the Blue Star Line, and is now in England arranging for the building of two new steamers, having sold those previously owned to the Australian Steamship Company, OAMARU, last night. Sailed, for London, ship Invercargill with 6580 bales of wool and sheepskins. DUNEDIN, last night.

The Governor entertained the officers of the Ninth Contingent at dinner on Saturday night at P’ernhill Club. Father Cleary, editor of the Tablet, was presented with a purse of 250. sovereigns from the Catholics of the colony on Sunday evening. At a banquet to Mr Cook, superintendent engineer of the Union Company on Saturday night, the Premier, replying to the toast of “ The Army arid Navy,” maintained that it was to tue navy we should look to maintain the peace of the world, and he believed it would be depended on in any crisis that might arise. Ke was one who be.ieved in looking ahead, and contended that, the time had arrived when the Australian Squadron should be strengthened. It was liis intention to support the strengthening of that squadron. At the Premiers’ Conference he would propose that New Zealand should subscribe on a capitation basis to the increased cost. Since japan had signed the Anglo-Japanese treaty they could now say to the world : “ Peace, free trade, fair trade." He did not favor the colonies having their own tavies, but considered something should be done in the way of training colonials for navy service.