NEW ZEALAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 38, 14 February 1901, Page 1

NEW ZEALAND.

[by telegraph—press association.] Christchurch, last night. In the Supreme Court William John Kinley, Thomas Clark, and George Haydn were charged with letting down a Ferris wheel at Lyttelton on New Year’s morning, and thereby seriously damaging it. The jury returned a verdict of guilty against Kinley and Haydn, and the prisoners were remanded for sentence. Clark was discharged. John Richmond Jones was charged with indecent assault in carnally knowing a girl aged 15-1- years. A verdict of guilty was returned and sentence was deferred. W. J. Kinley was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment for damaging a Ferris wheel. George Haydn was admitted to 12 months’ probation. At a meeting of the Jubilee Memorial Committee it was reported that £BOO was available, and £2dDO required, to complete the statute of the Queen. It was decided to call a meeting of subscribers to consider the best means of raising the balance, and also to settle the site of the statue. Dunedin, last night. At the Marine enquiry into the drowning of Gustaf Wahlberg, a sailor lost overboard from the schooner Zoir at Otago Heads on December Ist, the Court found the captain blameworthy in not having his life-buoys on board. There was not sufficient evidence to show that the captain was made aware that the man was subject to fits, or otherwise unable to perform liis duties as an able-bodied seaman. The captain was ordered to pay the costs of the inquiry. Timaru, last night. Boyd Thomson, an old identity of North Otago and South Canterbury', was drowned in the Rangitata last night while fishing. He was over 80 years of age, and was an enthusiastic angler, and a ranger of the Acclimatisation Society. Auckland, last night. The Star’s Tonga correspondent reports that a heavy gale on January 27th did considerable damage ashore and afloat. Fruit trees were stripped and fences levelled, but no serious damage was done to European property. Several native vessels were thrown on the reef. One native was drowned.

Dr. Solf, German Governor of Samoa, states that the Mataafa natives surrendered 1500 guns on the Emperor’s birthday, January 27th. All arc now in. There is no further fear of trouble. He is now arranging with the Dutch Indies for a supply of Malay labor for the plantations on the islands.

Arrived, Manapouri, from the South Sea Islands. Dr. Solf, Governor of Samoa, is amongst the passengers. Seventy of the Indian Contingent were taken for an excursion to Lake Takapuna, and were hospitably entertained at the residence of Mr H. Brett. The scene on the lawn was very brilliant, the bright green sward, flanked by parterres of flowers, forming a picturesque background for the magnificent uniforms, decorated with Eastern profusion. Before the guests left, Major Misirikhan, senior officer of the Indians, thanked Mr Brett. He said the visitors had never seen a prettier place than the Lake. Three cheers for Mr Brett were heartily given. Dannevirlte, last night. W. Darvilie, proprietor of the Post Oflico Hotel, Foxton, died suddenly her this morning. Wellington, last night. The Premier has received a cablegram from the Premier of Tasmania, stating that Sergeant Challis, of the Fourth Contingent, who was received into Hobart Hospital when returning to New Zealand by the Karamea, lias developed' severe typhoid fever. Private Searle, of the Fifth Contingent, is progressing satisfactorily ; his ease is malaria. Mr Aldridge, railway stationmaster at Lumsden, is to be transferred to Balclutha instead of to Dannevirke. Mr Burge, of Pahiatua, is to go to Dannevirke, Mr Bolans from Waikare to Pahiatua, Mr Somerfield from Papakura to Waikare, Mr Smith from Westport to Papakura.