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Lyttelton Times, Volume XXV, Issue 1635, 13 March 1866, Page 3

Retirement of Mr. Fisher from thu Turf.—lt is with extreme regret that we (Argus), announce the determination of Mr. Fisher to retire from the turf, and to dispose of his stud. This information will take most of our readers by surprise, few having anticipated that the Victorian Turf would so soon be deprived of so straightforward a sportsman, and so liberal a supporter of racing. We art informed that Mr Fisher proposes t» visit Europe, where he may make a prolonged stay. He is to be entertained by the V.R.C. on Friday, at dinner. Our best wishes attend him during his absence, and we can assure him that, should he return to this colony, no one will meet with a heartier welcome. The rose and black stripes will be sadly missed at our future meetings.

The Maoris Accused of the Murder of Mr. Volkner.—The five natives accused of the murder of Mr. Yolkner, who have been for some months past, in custody at Opotiki, but who were not brought before the Court-martial, arrived in Auckland yesterday by the steamer Sturt from Opotiki. The following are the names of the men : —Mokomoko, Heremita Kahupaea, Hakaraia te Rahui, Paora Taia, and Penetita. The firstnamed is a closely tatooed man, of about 45 years of age, who, it is said, acted as commander of the party that committed the murder; Kahupaea and Te Rahui are said to have been actively engaged in the hanging of Mr. Yolkner ; Paora Taia and Penetita, it is stated, drank the blood of the murdered man, the former havingbeen standing in the pulpit of the church with Kereopa when Mr. Volkner's head was brought in. All the prisoners are rather unfavourable specimens of the Maori. The prisoners were brought before his Worship about two o'clock, on an information charging them with the murder of Mr. Volkner laid by Mr. H. J. Clarke, Civil Commissioner, at Tauranga. Mr. Brookfield stated that he appeared for the prosecution, and would ask for a remand until Saturday, as the principal witnesses had not arrived from Opotiki, and he expected them before that day. His Worship granted the remand until ten o'clock, on Saturday, when the preliminary examination will be commenced at the new gaol.—Southern Cross, Feb. 27.

Napier.—The Hawkes Bay Times of the Ist says"The brief visit of his Excellency Sir George Grey to Napier has imparted something like life to our usually matter-of-fact town. On Tuesday all the population of the surrounding districts seemed to be gathered into Napier, a goodly portion of whom consisted of the darker race. His Excellency held an undress levee, and thus afforded an opportunity, but seldom falling to the lot of Napier folk, of being presented to the representative of royalty—an opportunity that was embraced by a goodly number."