SOUTHERN NEWS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 31, 6 February 1905, Page 2

SOUTHERN NEWS.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) AG IRL DROWNED. WANGANUI, Sunday. A drowning accident is reported from Kouangaroa, a. little girl named Camtron being the victim. Particulars are not yet available., NAPIER GAS COMPANY. NAPIER, this day. The balance-sheet of the Gas Company presented at the annual meeting to-day, shows a profit of £5682, of which £4901 16/5 was distributed in dividends and bonuses. Comment was made in the chairman's address on the fact that the company's prices are now the cheapest in the colony, and, with two exceptions, the cheapest in the Southern Hemisphere. SLY GROG RAID. DUNEDIN, this day. The police on Saturday night raided several suspected premises in search of intoxicating liquors. At one place a small quantity of liquor and many empties were found. From another a small quantity of liquor was taken, and from a third quantities of laager beer, stout, wine, and a small quantity of whisky were removed. Prosecutions for sly grogselling will ensue. WESTPORT COAL COMPANY. DUNEDIN. this day. The Westport Coal Company's report is on the same lines as last year. The Company pays 3/6 per share half-yearly dividend and 3/6 por share, and adds £ 10,000 to the reserve. CHRISTCHURCH BANKRUPTCIES. CHRISTCHURCH, this day. There were 24 bankruptcies in Christchurch last year, compared with 25 in the previous year. Unsecured assets in 1904 totalled* £6364; in 1903 they were '.£3923. Secured assets in 1904 were £14,345; in 1903 £«80. Liabilities (exclusive of secured claims) in 1904 were £11,643; in 1903 £14,840. - REPRESENTATION COMMISSION. WELLINGTON, this day. The Representation Commissioners have been summoned to meet on the 15th instant. The North Island Commission will meet in Wellington, the South Island Commission in Christchureh. POTATO DISEASE SPREADING. WELLINGTON, this day. Potato disease has appeared at Naiaai, in the Lower Hutt district. The Minister for Agriculture has given instructions that drastic measures be taken to prevent the further spread of the disease. DIVORCE. DUNEDIN, this day. In an unopposed divorce suit, Mary R. Bilson r. Fredk. Chas. Bilson, ex-fish-monger, of Dunedin, a decree nisi with costs wa3 granted. THE DIVINITY DEGREE. DUNEDIN, this day. The Primate of New Zealand, on behalf of the Anglican community, has telegraphed thanks and congratulations to Sir G. M.. O'Rorke on the University Senatei passing his motion re 5 degree of Divinity. ; ■>< • . ►■».<*. TE AWAITE TRIAL OPENS. WELLINGTON, this day. ■ The trial of James William lsffi3, alias Jack McKenzie, v ckar#ed with the murder of Leonard Reeve Collinson at Te Awaite on February 26th, was opened to-day before Mr Justice Denniston and a jury. SOUTHERN COURTS. WELLINGTON, Sunday. At the Supreme Court yesterday John Savage, charged witli attempting to set fire to the Empire Hotel, at Masterton, was found not. guilty. Hugh Austin, aged 19 years, was charged on several counts with supplying and attempting to stipply, a certain chemical to a woman with unlawful intent, "at Wellington, last August. A verdict of guilty was returned, with a strong recommendation to mercy, on account of prisoner's youth and ignorance as to the possible consequences of his action. Certain law points, raised by Mr A. L. Herdman, counsel for accused, were reserved for argument before the Court of Appeal, Austin being admitted to bail in the I meantime.