LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Marlborough Press, Volume IX, Issue 594, 3 June 1868, Page 3

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

THE STATE TRIALS AT HOKITIKA. CONVICTION OF THE PRISONERS. MILD SENTENCE OF THE JUDGE. (From the Independent.) HOKITIKA. Hokitika, May 18, 4.26 p.m. The trial of the prisoners for unlawful assembly commenced this morning. The indictment contains eleven counts. Mr Ireland raised many technical objections, but they were all virtually overruled. The special jury having been sworn, the Attorney-General opened the case for the Crown, and called Sergeant Dyer, who gave evidence as to the procession, the forcible entry of the cemetery, and to the existence of a general feeling of alarm. The second witness, Detective Browne, is now under examination. Hokitika, May 19, 4.40 p.m. The case for the Crown closed at noon. Mr Ireland addressed the jury for two hours. Mr Rees is now following, being specially retained for Manning and Larkins. The trial is expected to terminate to-night. Hokitika, May 21. 4 p.m The trials have just closed. All the prisoners have been found guilty of “unlawful assembly,” and fined £2O each. To the charge made against Larkins and Manning of “ seditious libel,” both prisoners pleaded guilty and were sentenced to one month’s imprisonment each. DUNEDIN. May 22, 7. 55. p. m. On Tuesday a vote of want of confidence in the Government was moved in the Provincial Council, but negatived by the casting vote of the Speaker. Last night the motion Was again brought forward in a different form. A long and hot debate ended in the motion being carried by one vote. The majority was made by Millar, a*city member, and a supposed supporter of the Government, entering the House at 1. a.m. on crutches, with a broken leg in a sling, and voting with the Opposition.