NEW ZEALAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 73, 29 March 1901, Page 1

NEW ZEALAND.

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) Auckland, last night.

An inquiry into the stranding of the Eliza Firth at Kaipara Heads was held at Aratapu on March 23rd. The evidence of Captain Brown, the mate, and sailors was taken, anti the Court found

that the captain had committed an error of judgment in over-estimating the distance from the lighthouse ; further, that the lead should have been used. The errors they considered not sufficient to warrant dealing with the master’s certificate. The assessors recommended the erection of a fixed red light to put a safe distance from the dangerous banks. The schooner was not damaged.

Napier, last night. Messrs Nelson Bros, have received the following cable from London: “ A further fall in the frozen meat market. Quotations : Best Canterbury' 4 3-Bd, Napier-North Island 3 7-8 d ; lambs, first quality 5Jd, second old.” Masterton, last night. At the District Court Roderick Mackenzie pleaded guilty to indecent assault. Judge Kettle severely commented on the seriousness of the offence, and sentenced accused to seven years’- hard labor and three flogging of 25 strokes each. Wellington, last night. The Native Minister reports that 200 Maoris from Wanganui will take part in the festivities at Rotorua in connection with the Duke of Cornwall’s visit. The Government have appointed Mr John W. Gow, for many years chief traveller to Messrs Rattray and Company, Dunedin, to open up fresh markets for New Zealand products and collect information of value to producers. After making a tour of New Zealand, he will go to South Africa, and possibly thence to Japan and Europe. Christchurch, last night. The Coal Commission sat this morning, when evidence was given by W. H. Hargreaves in connection with the WestportCardiff Company, of which-he was Chairman and managing director. The Midland Railway Commission continued to-day. Mr P. M. Stewart put in a statement giving particulars of his contracts with the Company. Mr William Chrystal, merchant, said he considered that if the line was completed

there would be ,an increase in tourist, goods, timber, -and coal traffic. He thought the line would only pqy working expenses at first. Mr Gavin, resident engineer, considered that the Government improvements would add to the capital value of the line.