SOUTHERN NEWS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 30, 4 February 1905, Page 3

SOUTHERN NEWS.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) PREVENTION OF ANTHRAX. NAPIER, this day. The A. and P. Society received replies from nine kindred bodies supporting their attitude on the anthrax question. At yesterday's meeting members expressed themselves very strongly at the negligence of the Government on the matter, and a motion was adopted urging the necessity of immediate action, by prohibiting the importation of bonedust until public safety is assured by the erection of sterilising works. MANSLAUGHTER CHARGE DISMISSED. WELLINGTON, this day. At the Supreme Court John Kilmartin. charged with the manslaughter of Michael Foley, was acquitted. The evidence went to show that the accused and Foley had been drinking together, and that they quarrelled, and that in the struggle Foley fell and died, as it waa alleged, as a result of injuries then received. PROPOSED RESTRICTIONS ON ASIATICS. WELLINGTON, this day. The Trades and Labour Cotmeil has decided to urge the Government to prohibit the landing of Asiatics in New Zealand '"as a menace to the mental, moral, physical and social welfare of cur people." OLD SETTLER'S DEATH. NEW PLYMOUTH, this day. William Bassett, a very old settler, passed away last night at the age of S9. He was for many years engaged in farming. Among his children are Mr Bas=ett, contractor, of Wanganui, and the wife of the Rev. Mr Clover, of Stratford. The deceased was a native of Cornwall, and a warm adherent of Primitive Methodism. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. DUNEDIN, this day. The prospects of the Farmers' Union Fire Insurance Association are said to be so encouraging that it ia almost certain business will be commenced in March. A somewhat unusual application was heard in chambers, being a motion for leave to issue a writ of attachment against Geo. R. Waddrll. merchant, of Bluff, for refusing to produce his books before the commission which sat recently to take evidence at the Bluff in the suit brought against John Robert Barrett, fish importer, of Melbourne, by the Commonwealth in connection with certain alleged short weight returns of frozen fish made to the Customs authorities in Melbourne, the fiah having been purchased from Waddell. The summons w?s resisted on various grounds, the principal being that the books be- i longed to a partnership, all the members j of which were not before the Court. Mr ! Justice Williams reserved his decision. I Steps are. being taken at Temuka to form a company to manufacture various ! articles of salt glaze, pottery, flooring and ornamental tiles, sanitary pipes, etc., ■ which are favourably reported on by a Staffordshire erpert. It ia proposed to have the factory at Temuka.