WELLINGTON, this day.

Auckland Star, Volume X, Issue 2717, 7 January 1879, Page 3

WELLINGTON, this day.

NOVEL EXCUSE BY A JURYMAN. A somewhat unusnal reason for not serving on the Grand Jury was urged this morning at the Supreme Court by James O'Shea who, on his name being called as a Grand Juror, pleaded that he was bail for one of the persons against whom billb of indictment were to be presented to the Jury. The Chief Justice expressed an opinion that this did not form a valid ground of excuse from serving, but after a little consideration His Honorsaid that he thought perhaps it would be better for Mr O'Shea not to serve under the circumstances, and he would therefore ba excused.

The hon. G. M. Waterhouse has sold his Wairarapa station, situated a few miles from Featlierstone to the hon. John Martin. It contains about 34,000 acres freehold, and the stock comprises 30,000 sheep and 700 head of cattle. The total price, including all improvements, etc., is a fraction under £90,000, of which a cheque for £25,000 was paid over by Mr Martin this morning as an earnest of the large transaction. At the Supreme Court this morning, James Murphy, who was last night found guilty df attempted rape on a little girl was sentenced to three years, and one whipping of 25 lashes. Geo. Webb for forgery to 12 months, Wm. Watson for robbery, 3 years. The supers engaged by Mr Bignold at the Imperial Opera House struck last night, because the management would not give each a couple of free passes to the theatre.

The question cf free passes on the railway to newspapers is still undecided, though certain newspaper proprietors have made representations to the Government on the matter. In view of a visit from the English team of footballers, Wellington footballers have resolved to telegraph to Auckland that they are prepared to guarantee £200 towards the expenses. The erection offpermanent railway workshops has been commenced at Petone, a large steam lath having already been put in working order. The "New Zealander" says there is no truth in the rumour that the Government has experienced any difficulty in regard to the Land Tax Act. The Premier is expected to arrive here in the Hinemoa to-day. The "New Zealander's" article to-day says: "At any rate, one things is quite clear; the Legislative Council of New Zealand cannot be allowed to pursue the course which of late years seems to have commended itself to them, namely, persistently and with deliberation insisting upon arresting the development of a liberal policy, obstructing every measure which has for'its object the relief of the burdens of the people, endeavouring to create class privileges in favour of the wealthy lower orders, and, by restricting the franchise, preventing the practical expression of the popular. ANOTHER NEW GUINEA EXPEDITION. It is stated that several members of the late New Guinea expedition have decided to make another attempt to open up a trade with them. They purpose taking a botanist and geologist, and intend making a 12 months' stay in the country, taking uptheir residence amongst the natives.