AUCKLAND.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3058, 14 April 1881, Page 3

AUCKLAND.

April 14. The coasting steamer Annie Milbank struck on a rock in Parua Bay, and is making water fast. It;is said that the steamer's back is broken. The steamer was insured in the South British office for £1500, which is reinsured as follows -.—National, £250 ; "Victoria, £250 ; New Zealand, £500.

At the inquest re the fire which destroyed Ireland's tannery a verdict was returned that the place was wilfully set fire to by some person or persons unknown. The verdict has created some surprise. Mr G-. Ireland, the resident proprietor, and Mr Roger Kay, the manager of the works, both swore tbat in their opinion the fire was accidental.

Mr Mills, on behalf of the Union Company, has sold the steamer Wellington to Captain M'Gregor, the owner of various Auckland coasting steamers, and agreed to withdraw from opposition to him in the Russell, Tauranga, Whangarei, and Bay of Islands trade, except with such steamers as go to coal.

Bowman, the enginer who attempted suicide by taking laudanum, has been arrested on the charge, and remanded.

At the Police Court to-day the prosecution by Mr Rees against Mr Wickham, of the Free Lance, for libel, waa proceeded with. Mr G. M. Reed was the principal witness examined. He deposed that he was tbe agent of the Belfast immigrants referred to in the article, and Mr Rees had never been guilty of the conduct imputed to him in the article with respect to those immigrants. He denied that Mr Rees had attempted to swindle the immigrants, or had failed in his promises to them, or that the judges had reflected on Mr Rees. They had complimented him, and tbe natives had given him (Reed) assurances that Mr Rees was carrying out their wishes. After hearing further evidence, Mr Wickham was committed for trial for a libel on Mr Rees.