NEW ZEALAND.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 10264, 6 February 1899, Page 6

NEW ZEALAND.

(PRESS ASSOCIATION TEIXCRAUS.) AUCKLAND. February 4.

An important ca.sc affecting Mining Companies \v,is heard at the Supreme Court, Kauri Freehold l.iold Eatatvs, Limited v Collector of Customs. The point at issue ■\Viis ■whether s-mni:?. n;i:k-o;eaker, orefowler, shoes, dies, unci lnui'Uu* boxes, were niachiiKMy for gold-saving purposes under the Customs Act. and therefore exempt from duty. The jury answered the quea tion in tho aiiiiinative, and judgment wont for plaintiffs. WELLINGTON,' February 4.

Major Somerville is not in favour of postponing tlie shooting for tliree weeks. Ho thinks a week is sufficient, which will bring the meeting to an end on the eve- of the Wanganui races. The criminal calendar contains IS charges against 19 prisoners, including murder shooting, and rape.

There were 331 pension claims heard by the b.M. here, and fifty more remain, inincluding 30 from the old people's home.

GREYMOUTH, February 5. There was a tremendous fu.ll of ram all last night, but it did not materially affect the river.

The coal exports for the week were:—« Blackball, 1323 tons 15 cwt; Brunner Company, 1976 tons 1 cwt.

INVERCARGILL, February 4. At the Police Court, to-day, Jessie *Muir, licensee of the Edendale Hotel, was fined £10 and costs, and her license ordered to be endorsed. It wits stated in evidence that the defendant had been in the habit of planting liquor in the backyard and other places where a prohibited person could get it.