NEW ZEALAND.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 9605, 21 December 1896, Page 6

NEW ZEALAND.

» (PRESS ASSOCIATION TKLKQRAMS.) WELLINGTON, December 19. The Court which conducted the enquiry into the alleged touching of a reef by the Takapuna held that there was nothing m the evidence to give it jurisdiction under the Act, and consequently the Court had no authority. The Government has decided to take to prevent the introduction of the bubonic plague, which is prevalent in India and the East, and inetructione will be issued to the Boards of Health and Customs officers by way of precaution. New passes on the railways have been issued to members of Parliament. The old passes can be retaiued on payment of £1, but will only be of value as souvenirs. Two thousand pounds has been passed for the Motueka section of the Midland Railway, aud £1500 for additions to the Stamp Office. Mr J. Ferguson, Chief Clerk at the Dunedin Post Office, will be retired at the end of the year, and Mr Foster, Chief Clerk of the S.M. Court, Dtinedin, will also be retired on account of failing eyesight. FEILDING, December 19. William Ryan, bookmaker, was fined £10 and costs for trespass on the Feilding Racecourse. Notice of appeal was given. The caee against Champion was coucluded, but Mr Stanford, S.M., reserved his decision until January 7th.