TELEGRAPHIC

Inangahua Times, Volume II, 22 July 1881, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC

[BY ELECTKIC TELEGRAPH.] [fbom oxtb owk cobeespondent.] HOUSE OF BEPRESENT/VTIYES. Wellington, July 18. The report of the Secretary for Mines was tabled this evening. 'The re« port itself is brief. There has been steady progress in mining inspection, and the provisions of the Act are being strictly enjOreeu^^TFg^BS«r'<>i -aOitftDle examination and certificates for mining managers, especially in coal mines, is strongly urged. There has been a far* ther increase in the number of coal mines. There are now 107 in the colony, viz., 101 in the South Island, and six in the North Island. The following interesting comparative return is given to show the large increase in the proportion* ate amount of coal raise 1 in the colony as against importations!. In 1878 there were 174.148 tons imported and 16,228 raise J in the colony ; 1879, 158,876 tons were imported and 231,218 raised in the colony ; in 1880 only 123,298 tons were imported and 299,923 raised in the colony. Very few accidents have occurred in the year, and only two were fatal. All were in the South Island. The legal proceedings taken in the case of the Wellington Coal Company's mine at Westport had a salutary effect and more care is now used. July 19. Reeves gave notice of motion affirming the desirability of Resident Magistrates and Wardens on goldfields being removed every three years. Murray gave notice that in view of the plentiful supply of money in the market, and the cheap rate of interest, it is desirable railway works should be pushed on with all possible speed. The population of southern ports on the West Coast of the Middle Island was too small to warrant a subsidy being paid for a steamer service. The Government steamer visited those ports once a quarter, and if their engagements would permit, these yisits would be more frequent. Before making his application re abolition Sheehan asked what course the Government intended to take. Hall said the motion was of such a nature that the Government felt called upon to accept it in the light of a vote of no confidence, and to ask that as little business as possible be done until it is disposed of. Sheet an said that he had the eonven* ience of others to consult, and if they were opposed, he would not be prepared to adopt it. Macaudrew demurred to the Government accepting it as a vote of want of confidence. The Government were not responsible for the abolition hating been carried. Brown moved that the introduction of the Bill be postponed until that day six months. Gisborne said the Government was simply drawing a red herring across the scent, and desirous of raising a false issue. Montgomery denied that the motion was one of a party character, and professed his intention of voting against it. Moss' reminded the Government tliatit had invited them to assist in devising a good scheme of local government, and blamed them for making this a party question when they responded to that invitation. - The new Licensing Bill was read a third Mmc arid passed on a division of 45 to 26. It was then conveyed to the Council, where its fate is considered uncertain. July 21. Sheehan having declined to move his motion for Repeal of Abolition of Pro* vinces Act. Ormond moved ori Tuesday, tliat tjie proposals of the Ministry in regard to lpcaNGovernment are unsatis factory. Tbii being a direct challenge to the Ministry of want of confidence. A warm debate has continued ever since during the boars of sitting, 'all other business being p#t aside. All subjects of lobby runnr have now faded into insignificance, in view of the fact that a Ministerial crisis is impending. The combined Opposition party profess unbounded confidence in result of comirg division, and plainly declared that they have a safe majority of at least seven. They have calculated on 4^ votes being returned for Mr OrmonJ's mbtion. The division is thought likely to be taken earlier than Tuesday next.

Wellington, July 18. It is believed that Mr Knight, tbe Government actuary, has already made a calculation of the amounts due to policyholders as their share of the £50,000 which is deemed available for distribution as bonus. It is known that Mr Knight made an independent actuarial calculation as to tbe amount available, which came very close indeed to that of the London actuaries. Of course, tbe nature of his calculation is kept secret until the time arrives for it to be officially announced, but I am assured by a very competent authority that the average bonus will be between 21s and 23s cash for each £100 insured or about £4 if l«ft as reversion" ary bonus at death. Thus the bolder of a £1000 poiicy would receive from 10 to 11 guineas cash, or have about £4,0 added to tbe amount of the policy, Tbe actual

bonus will vary according to the duration ' of the policy, but will probably average ►oruewhe c about the amouut indicated. It must be distinctly understood that this is not "official" information, but I hare reason to believe it will turn out r.ot far wide of mark. Ju'y 21. Whilelaw's trial cams on again to-day, but has not yet been concluded. The Judge said oulv a charge of common assault would hold, the Asylum never having been properly proclaimed. Vvnedin. July 20. The Mayor has received a letter from the Board of Health, Melbourne, staN ing that snme spurious tea has recently been landed there by the steamer Ocean from China, and had been forwarded to Dunedin. The Collector of Customs is trying to trace where it has gone. In the case of Mercer and wife v. Queen, which was conc'uded to-day, received a verdict of £750 damages, for injuries sustained by plaintiffs being capsized out of a buggy, through tele', graph wire being le t across the road by workmen engaged in repairing it. Oamahu, July 20. Two women, named respectively Mary Ann Sullivan and Mary Dughan, and a man named Crawford, entered the house of a married woman named Lees yester* day afternoon, and demanded money, and thrashed her until she ijecame insen* sible. They then took £2 out of a box and decamped. They have since been arrested.