NEW ZEALAND.

Press, Volume L, Issue 8484, 16 May 1893, Page 6

NEW ZEALAND.

(PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAMS.)

PALMERSTON NORTH, May 15.

On Sunday afternoon a young man named Golding was assaulted by three men and robbed of £5. This afternoon S. Hill, J. McCarthy and F. Reardon were arrested, and will appear to answer the charge at the Police Court to-morrow. The police are searching for another man in connection with the affair. WANGANUI. May 15. The barque Freetrader was successfully floated off by the s. s. Mana at 8 o'clock on Saturday night, after which she was berthed at the Heads whai f, and brought up to the town wharf yesterday morning. It was found that the barque had sustained no damage, and is making but little water. A magisterial inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the stmnding is to be held at the end of the week. WELLINGTON, May 15. The Government have decided to appoint a Commission to inquire iuto the working of the Northern gum fields. The Commissioners will be Dr. Giles, R.M., and Mr Muller, Commissioner of Ciown Lands, Auckland. The report is to be ready before Parliament meets. This action is takeu in consequence of complaints as to the abuse of the fields and the influx of alien?.

Judge Kenny has written to the Minister of Justice stating lhat he did not use the expression attributed to him in hearing the claim against Mr R. H. J. Reeve 3to which Mr Larnach took exception. A spare shaft is available for the s.s. Australia, and the vessel is expected to be off the slip again on Friday. Plans have been prepared for a brick building to contaiu the Parliamentary library, on tbe northern side of the present block. The Government will probably place £10,000 on the estimates for tue work, which has been badly needed for years. The architects' estimate for furnishing proper ventilation in the House of Representatives is from £650 to £750, including the construction of a basement under the Chamber to contain a fan driven by a gas engine and regulator for the introduction of fresh air. Vai ious alterations in the doors and other details are suggested. The Gaiety Company leave for Christchurch at 5 p.m. An application in banco to-day to have Crabtree and Good, two of the alleged members of the " long firm," declared bankrupt was dismissed. The petition against Thompson was granted, he not appearing:. His Honour decided that so far as he could see there was no partnership. The police have been unable to discover the whereabouts of Thompson, the supposed head of the firm.

DUNEDIN, May 15. Judge Williams' leave has been extended toJuue2oth.

George James Eden has been committed for trial for victimising the money lenders by selling them a piino and furniture obtained on the time payment system.