NEW ZEALAND.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXI, Issue 7229, 1 May 1884, Page 4

NEW ZEALAND.

[Pbk Pkess Association.] AUCKLAND, Aran. 30. Patrick Horau, an old pensioner, who was committed to gaol for vagrancy on April 28, died this morning in gaol. Three of his ribs were discovered to be broken. It is alleged Moran stated, before his death, that it was the result of an accident. An inquest is to be held. At the inquest on the body of Eobert Pollock, killed at Mangere gravel pit, a verdict of accidental death was returned, with a rider that the pit be closed till it is made safe by the proper authorities in charge. On Sunday night five stacks of oaten hay on the farm of F. W. Waters, at Papatoitoi, valued at MOO, were destroyed by fire; they were uninsured. Incendiarism is suspected. The first annual meeting of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was held r in the Theatre Royal this afternoon. The Governor presided. There was a good attendance. The report showed 191 j

members, and that cruelty to animals had; largely diminished. NAPIER, Apbil 30. On Friday last, Mrs Wallace, aged 73, ■was standing by the kitchen fire at her residence at Petane, whan her dress caughfc fire, and she ran outside enveloped in flames. Her screams brought assistance, but not before" her clothes were burnt off. She died to-day from the effects of her injuries. It has transpired that Mr Austin cannot come here to act with Messrs Scott and Goodall as a Commission on Mr Goodall's harbour scheme. Mr C. Napier Bell has been asked to act instead. WELLINGTON, Aran, 30. In reply to a petition presented to him,. Major Atkinson has decided to deliver an address here. The date has yet to be fixed,, but it will probably take place next week. Mr Charles Bright is here delivering lectures on Freethought. The Directors of the Wellington-Mana-watu Railway Company have forwarded toSir Julius Vogel a cordial vote of thanks for his valuable and successful services in placing the shares and debentures of the Company in London. BLENHEIM, Afbil 30. At the Supreme Court sittings, William Stewart, for horsestealing and housebreaking, was sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment on each charge, concurrently. A decree absolute was granted in the divorce suit of John M'Kay against Harriet M'Kay. An appeal from the Resident Magistrate in a Blenheim Corporation by-law ease was argued, and jugdment reserved. Thia concluded the session. Judge Richmond leaves for Nelson to-morrow. DTJNEDIN, Apt.il 30. A man named Edgar King has been drowned through falling off the railway bridge over the river Taieri at Otakia. He was walking along the line, having missed the train, and fell from the bridge, which is not one for traffic. He had intended sailing for Auckland last evening in the brig Camille, with his family. The brig was detained till this morning, when his wife and seven children took their departure, as he did not turn up. They will arrive in Auckland penniless. In a recent case at Waikaia, in which the local publican was charged with supplying beer on Sunday, the barman, named. Wilson, swore that the shilling tendered as payment for beer was never lifted but was still lying on the bar floor, having lain there untouched for six weeks. The R.M., Mr Wood, gave the witness to understand in plain terms that he did not credit the statement, and fined the publican J£3 and costs. At the, Land Board to-day the licensees of three deferred-payment sections in the Tapanui district, who had not complied with the personal residence provisions, had their licenses forfeited, and in several other cases a warning was given that residence should be more continuous. INVERCARGILL, April 30. At the Resident Magistrate's Court today, William Stead was fined £2 and Stephen Joss and John M'Culliffe £1 each for disturbing the Salvation Army at a meeting and afterwards following some of the members in a riotous maimer through the streets. In passing sentence, Resident Magistrate said the Army had as good a right as any other body to have order maintained. It was a serious thing: to disturb a congregation assembled for worship. It is supposed that an attempt has been made to fire the premises of Price and. Bulleid, drapers, Tay street, by insertingpaper between the half shutters and the> front of the building and setting fire to it. No damage was done, save scorching a> door. The firm offer .£IOO reward for conviction of the offender. Jones' Hotel and stables at Pahia Flat, Orepuki, are reported to have been burned down on Monday evening. The buildings, which were quite new, and the furniture and stock, were insured for .£SOO with the Colonial, .£250 re-insured. It is believed that another .£250 insurance exists in another office; name unknown.