NEWS IN BRIEF.

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15235, 24 February 1913, Page 8

NEWS IN BRIEF.

'The Oddfellows' Premier Picnic was held m the Domain on Saturday, when between 4000 and 5000 people we*& present. Three persons, arrested on charges of assault and ten others, arrested on minor charges, occupied the city police cells last night. The fishing boat AK7 sank .her moorings off tho Nelson Street Wharf during Saturday night, and only her mast was visible above water morning. Steps will be taken to raise the craft to-day. Reporting at Waihi at eight o'clock on Saturday morriiig, Mr. H. B. Devereux, F.R.M.S., stated that during Fridays thunderstorm .70in of rain fell. He predicts continued unsettled weather for a while, with showers and squalls, and says there are indications for further electrical disturbances.

A visitor to the Matawai and Motu districts states that the recent fires have made a considerable clearance in places (telegraphs our Gisbome correspondent). Although hardship may be experienced by some of the settlers for the time being, the fires have cleared up a fine lot ol timber-strewn country. The state of Mount Eden Gaol for the week ending Saturday, February 22, was as follows:—On remand. 7 males; awaiting trial. 20 males, 1 'female;" imprisonment for life, 3 males; hard labour, 224 males, 18 females; imprisonment, 6 males; 'debtors, 1 male; received during the ■ - week, 32 males, 1 female; discharged, Zd ; males, 2 females; total in prison, 261 j males, 19 females.