Telegraphic News.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 422, 13 March 1880, Page 7

Telegraphic News.

[UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Auckland, March 4,

The Christian Brethren have sent a challenge to the Mormon Elder Sorenson to publicly discuss the Scriptural authenticity of the Mormon doctrine, but no reply has been vouchsafed.

Four applications were made to-day at the Police Court by married women for separation from their tyrannical husbands. The marital discontent is attributed by the Press to the Mormons. In a feud between two sections of the temperance advocates at Onehunga, who had privately purchased a harmonium, some person or persons unknown entered the Masonic Hall at night, and removed the harmonium, a high-toned instrument, and also the charter of the Hope of Manukau Lodge. The charter has since been recovered, but not the harmonium, though the Bodge hopes to obtain a clue to its whereabouts.

Entries and acceptances for the Dargaville Cup are as follows :—Malvern, 6yrs., Bst. 71b.; Piscatorious, 3yrs., Bst. 3ib.; The Worm, aged, 7st. 101 b.; Tom Finn, aged, 6st. 121 b.; Xantippe, syrs., 6st. 121 b.; Young Performer, aged, 6st. 101 b.; Barney, aged, sst. 81b.; Taiapo, aged, ost. 101 b. The barque Earl Granville arrived from London, with 317 passengers, having measles, whooping cough, and low fever on board. She will be quarantined to-morrow ; and all the information which could be obtained, as no communication was allowed, was that she left Plymouth on 27th November, and had thirty to forty cases of measles during the voyage. The last case was six weeks ago ; there children died from infantile diseases. There were also twelve cases of whooping cough, one fatal; and four or five of low fever, including Dr. Fox, who has been laid up for six weeks. The names of the dead could not be obtained, owing to the illness of the doctor. Dr. Andrews, now at Motuihi, and who got quarantined with the British Empire passengers through a mistake on his part, will probably be placed in medical charge of the Earl Granville immigrants, owing to indisposition of Dr. Fox.

March 5.

At a meeting of the creditors of Robert Love, vocalist and comedian, his liabilities were stated at £Bl 15s. 6d., incurred through unfortunate speculations in theatrical life, and assets nil.

The captain of the American whale-ship is in a fix at Russell (Bay of Islands), two parties claiming the American Consular Agency, and both parties producing credentials. The American flag will suffer in consequence. At the Waste Lands Board's sitting-, a letter was read from Mr. Lundon, M.H.R., saying that the Hokianga County Council would esteem it a great favor if the Board could see its way to decline all applications for land from settlers in their district, excepting through the Council. The Board thought Mr. Lundon's request unfair, and desired that a reply might be sent informing him that the Waste Lands Board was an open Board, and accessible to every person of whatever calling, the humblest person possessing an equal right with the wealthiest to communicate with the Board, without consulting any local body. At the election of three members of the Board of Education, Dr. Campbell, and Messrs. Luke aud Prince were elected. Mr. David Goldie was defeated. One hundred and twenty school committees voted. A Ministerial communication has been received by the Education Board warning them not to anticipate in future the Government grant.There are to be great festivities on Thursday, at Stanley, Matamata (Mr. J. C. Firth's estate), to celebrate the opening of the Upper Thames River navigation. Two members of the Ministry are expected to be present, members for the Thames and Waikato, the Auckland and Thames Mayors, and also a number of Maori chiefs.

The Helensville races passed off successfully, and were well attended.

March 6,

The Earl Granville's immigrants are now comfortably housed at Motuihi Quarantine Station.

The roof of a large house at Ngaruawahia, occupied by Mr. Jaggs, was in flames to-day. Messrs. Dixon, Brennan, and Kay swarmed up the roof, at the imminent risk of life, the eaves being fully 30 feet high, and the shingles as slippery as glass, and extinguished the flames, thus averting the inevitable destruction of a whole row of houses.

The Auckland Shipwrights Protection Society anniversary was celebrated by a successful social gathering. It is understood that during their visit Ministers will launch a large number of contracts, for which votes were passed last session Large areas of land have been proclaimed open on deferred payment at Te Aroha and Waikato, ranging from 20 acres to 314 acres.

March &

A meeting of officers of the rifle battallion will be held to consider proposals for improving the Volunteer force, to be submitted to i olonel Leckie, who will forward the same to the Government.

Paul, of Orakei, has convened a meeting of the Kaioara tribes, at Orakei, near Auckland, for the 17tb March instant. Paul states that chiefs from the North are expected to attend, and that it will be an important meeting. They are greatly exercised at the reduction of Paul's salary and payment of highway rates. It is believed Hauttau emissaries have been at work.

Dr. Fox, of the ship Earl Granville, died at the quarantine station, Motuihi, of low fever. The Hon. the Premier has expressed his surprise at the progress made in Auckland since hisfdast visit here. To-morrow deputation-

ing commences. First, Mr. Hall will receive a deputation respecting the £65,000 grant for roads and bridges in the north ; secondly, a Thames deputation relating to their railway and the Komata native difficulty. In conclusion he leaves for Mataura to assist in the celebration of the opening of the Upper Thames River navigation. The Government have decided to appoint two Cattle Boards for Auckland and Waikato, and Gazette regulations for their guidance will be issued.

At a meeting of the Cambridge Farmers' Club, it was decided that the cattle in that district were not diseased with pleuro, but suffered from exhaustion in consequence of a lon<? voyage. The rumor that Mr. Hamlin, M.H.R., intends resigning is contradicted.

March 9

Sir Robert Douglas was a passenger by the Rangatira for Wanganui to-day, en route for Wellington, to serve on a Royal Commission relating to the Civil Service. D. Cruickshank, French Vice-Consul, is soliciting subscriptions in aid of the sufferers by the recent cyclone in New Caledonia. A company is being formed in Auckland to develope the Thames hematite ore deposits and other pigments in the province. Valuable deposits of pigments used in the painter's art have been discovered in the province, and these blended with the Thames crude material will enable the company to manufacture all the most useful paints. The intention of the Auckland Company is to bring out their pigments in quite a new form, by which a great saving of time, with less waste of material, will accrue, and for which letters patent are applied for.

Mr. Edward Williams, on his way to attend the Court at Russell, was thrown from his horse. He was unable to preside, and the Court had to be adjourned. The late Dr. Fox, of the ship Earl Granville, was well-known in Auckland. He came out here last year as medical officer of the immigrant ships Maraval and Famenoth. The interment took place at Motuihi. All the other passengers by the Earl Granville are now progressing very satisfactorily. Dr. Humphrey Haines has been appointed surgeon-superin-tendent, and he is at present on the island. The ship will be admitted to pratique about Friday, but the immigrants will remain on the island for another week.

Gisbokne, March 4.

Intense interest is manifested in the hearing of the charge against E. H. Ward, jun., solicitor, who is now being charged in the Resident Magistrate's Court, upon information of Reperata Kaputea, that he did, on or about the 23rd January, 1879, unlawfully and feloniously forge the signa-ture of William Kerr Nesbitt, Frauds Commissioner, to a certificate under the Frauds Prevention Act, to a deed of conveyance of interests of Rota Waipawa and Hone Rewa in the Matawhero B Block. Messrs. E. Howard, sen., Rogan, and Brassey for accused, Messrs. W. L. Rees and Joshua Cuff for the prosecution. Counsel for the prosecution has closed opening address. In reply to the Bench, accused's counsel declined to produce the deed referred to. It is alleged that it was subsequent to Ward junior acquiring the Matawhero property that the signature of Nesbitt was affixed. The Court is now proceeding with the evidence.

There is an outcry amongst the public here at no Frauds Commissioner acting for this district. For months past, sales, leases, and other negotiations in native lands, have been at a standstill, owing to either the tardiness of the Government in appointing a Frauds Commissioner, or the present R.M., who is almost blind, declining to accept the office. Mr. Macdonald, M.H.R., has been urged, at a public meeting, to communicate with the Government with a view to improving matters.

March 5

The case of forgery against Mr. Ward, jun., solicitor for Read's estate, was resumed this morning. During the whole day the Court was crowded by anxious spectators. Mr. Brassey, solicitor for the accused, emphatically refused to produce the deed of the Matawhero land, relative to which the forgery is alleged, notwithstanding that legal notice to do so had been served. Mr. Rees produced a certified copy of the deed. Rata Nepara and Reperata Rahutea gave evidence, showing that during Nesbitt's lifetime as Frauds Commissioner he had refused to certify to the alienation of the interest referred to in the accusation, upon various grounds ; among others, that the consideration was contrary to law. The evidence of Captain Tucker, the next witness, showed that for a long time, and up to Mr. Nesbitt's death, he had acted as his confidential secretary and interpreter. The memorandum book of 1876, the year in which the deed in question purported to bear the signature of the Frauds Commissioners, bore no record of the fact that it had been signed by Nesbitt, early in 1879, and afterward bought the property from Read's trustee. Tucker said the deed was in Ward's possession. This was two years after Dr. JNesbitt's death, and the deed was then without the doctor's signature. It was only some time after the property had been purchased by Mr. Ward that the witness learned the deed had been certified to by Mr Nesbitt. The case was adjourned until tomorrow, when Mr. interpreter f >r Read's estate, and Mr. Charles Major, until lately in Mr. Ward's employ, will be called to give evidence for the prosecution. The charges against Mensrs. Ward and Cooper for conspiracy in relation to the oil spring block, and charge of perjury against the latter, stands adjourned until 22nd \n3tant by consent of counsel on both sides.

March 6

The Ward forgery case still continues. Since the forenoon Captain Tucker, J.P., has been undergoing cross-examination. In the main his evidence has been unshaken. He swore 'hat long after Dr. Nesbitt's death the Matawhero Block deed had not been certified

by Nesbitt, who was Frauds Commissioner. After the purchase of the property by Ward, jun., in January, 1879, Ward desired Tucker to go into partnership with him for the Matawhero block property. Tucker declined, as the title was bad in consequence jof the deed in question being uncertified. It was only in February, 1879, about three weeks after the estate was purchased by Ward, that Tucker discovered the deed was alleged to have been signed by Nesbitt. Immediately on this discovery the witness, in Ward's office, insisted upon the removal of the deed from the registry. This was within a month or so of the deed having been fowarded by Ward to Wilson and Cotterill, solicitors, Napier, for registration. The cross-examination related mainly to the record books of the Frauds Commissioner. Archdeacon Williams, trustee in Read's estate, was in attendance all day at the Court, waiting to be called as a witness. There are three more witnesses to be examined, and it is hardly expected the case will be concluded to-day. The public interest in this impoitant trial remains unabated.

March S

On Saturday the Venerable Archdeacon Williams, the sole surviving trustee under Captain Read's will, gave evidence in the alleged forgery case against Young. Ward, solicitor for the estate witness swore he believed Matawhero B deed, in relation to which the forgery of Dr. Nesbitt's name is alleged, was in the trustees' office. He declined to produce the deed at present, as irrespective of the case then before the Court. He had been advised that production of the deed would injure the interests of the estate. Mr. Buckley, solicitor at Wellington, had also advised him. to that effect by telegram, stating that the production of the Matawhero B deed would be prejudicial to the interests of the estate. The evidence of Mr. Skipworth, native interpreter to Captain Read's estate, and clerk to Nesbitt, and in whose custody the deed of Matawhero B had been from 1875 until 1879, and after the property was purchased by Ward, was watched with great interest. Skipworth swore that the deed which purports to be signed by Nesbitt in 1876, was at that time in his (Skipworth's) possession, that it was his duty to get the deed signed by the Frauds Commissioner, but that he never got it signed. The signature to the deed was unlike Nesbitt's usual signature, and appeared as if written slowly, the name being first pencilled in. CJ iptain Ferris is expected to give evidence favorable to accused, and Major Slaterly (Ward's clerk) evidence to strengthen the prosecution. There is no direct evidence so far to show that Ward forged Nesbitt's signature, and it is expected that if a committal be ordered it will be for uttering a deed knowing the signature to be forged. The Native Land Court, Judge Halse presiding, Mr. Gannon secretary to Court, began its sittings here for re-hearing of the Waingaromai No. 2 case. This is a valuable block of land, about 30,000 acres, formerly purchased by Robert Cooper from the natives. It afterwards got into the hands of the Glasgow Bank directors, and appeared among their assets as a most valuable security. The re-hearing taking place the whole investigation of title begins de novo. Parapa Waihopi, spokesman for a large section of the natives, said they did not find fault with Judge Rogan's decision, but the natives themselves had excluded a large number of persons entitled to claim. Mr. Brassey, solicitor, appears on behalf of the representatives of Messrs. Potter, Wilson, and Co., and Mr. W. L. Rees appears for the natives.

The Hon. Mr. Rolleston, Minister of Lands, is making a short stay here.

March 9.

The alleged forgery case against Ward, solicitor, continues, and it is likely that all the witnesses will have to be re-called. Archdeacon Williams produced the Matawhero B deed, and was subjected to severe examination as to the genuineness of the signature alleged to be forged. Mr. Ward, senior, swore he saw the deed with Dr. Nesbitt's certificate upon it on the loth January last, eight days before the date of the alleged forgery. Alto gether the surrounding complications are thickening.

Tatjeanga, March 9.

The R.M. here has been occupied all day investigating a case against Isaac Wilson, late proprietor of the Ohinemutu Hotel, for shooting at a native during the recent forcible occupation of the premises by the natives, under warrant signed by the alleged native owners. Inspector Emerson is conducting the prosecution.

Napieb, March 4

At a special meeting of the Harbor Board, Mr. Ormond, M.H.R., was re-elected chairman.

The Very Rev. David Sidey and the Rev. R. Fraser leave by the s.s. Penguin on Tuesday, for Auckland, as representatives of the Hawke's Bay Presbytery at the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, appointed to be held there on the 15th instant. Mr. Sidey is the retiring Moderator, and the Rev. F. McNicholl, of St. James', Auckland, will be nominated Moderator for the ensuing year. Mary Strafford, a little girl six years of age, daughter of an employe on the railway, died on Tuesday evening from lockjaw, caused by a cut in the hand, the result of a fall. The wound was but slight and no serious consequences were at the time of the accident anticipated. Another omission, in that bundle of omissions, the Hawke's Bay Licensing Ordinance, was brought to light yesterday. A publican holding a ten o'clock license was summoned for keeping his house open after that hour, when it was found that no penalty was attached to that breach of the law. If, however, anyone holding a twelve o'clock license keep open after midnight, he can be fined. The ten o'clock license is therefore quite as good as a twelve o'clock license. The ten. o'clock license coßta £25, and the twelve o'clock £4O,

SO all the town holelkeepers have been giving £ls per annum to the borough for nothing. The Municipal Corporation's overdraft is The Hobs Messrs. Kolleston and Bryce arrived here this evening. The Premier comes by the Arawata on Saturday. Mr. Kolleston goes overland to Poverty Bay > His Excellency the Governor has definitely announced his intention to be present at the races,

March 8.

A meeting of unemployed was called for Saturday night, but proved a great fiasco—about fifty men, two-thirds of them laborers, rolled up. * The convener of the meeting unexpectedly asserted that there was plenty of work, and then said there was none, and concluded by returning to his first statement, and offering to get work for any who said they could not find it. He told an extraordinary tale of how he and Vincent Fyke lived on snakes for a week in Victoria when on the wallaby. The next speaker strongly denounced the no-employment cry, saying that every man able and willing to work could get constant employment. Bennett, the convener of the meeting, said he must dispute this, and mounted the barrel which did duty for a platform, but someone pushed the barrel from under him,, and he fell heavily to the ground, where he lay stunned for some time. _ On recovering, lie offered to fight anyone in a 36 feet ring for love or money. This concluded the proceedings.

New Plymouth, March 8

A telegram has been received from Bees, the Harbor Board Engineer, at present in England, to the effect that the levels in connection with the harbor wo.-ks will be most likely altered, and advising the immediate suspension of all works until his arrival in New Plymouth. Accordingly, the men on the harbor works, on Saturday la*t, received a week's notice, and in the meantime a special meeting of the Board will most likely be called to confirm the action before the men are paid off.

March 9

The A.O. Force lately stationed at Stoney River moved to their new camping ground at Pnnehu yesterday. The natives at Punehu made not the slightest opposition to the Constabulary coming there, telling them that they could fix their camp where they liked. The chief Te Mohi intends making a present to Colonel Roberts as soon as' the tents are fixed. The site of the new camp is about 200 yards from the old telegraph station, and is on a stream called the Haumianga. There were about 260 men belonging to the force there, besides the working party (which consists of about eighty men), who will be under the charge of Mr. C. Hursthouse. The Royal Native Commission concluded its sitting at Waitara last night, and the Commissioners and. staff arrived in town this morning.

Haweka, March 7. The Rev. Father Grogan held divine service at the camp, Otakeo, this morning. Colonel Roberts, with the Constabulary under Major Tuke, will cross Stoney River and camp, it is thought, at Wharea, tomorrow. There is not the slightest foundation for the rumors afloat relative to insubordination on the part of the unemployed at Otakeo. The contrary is the fact.

Blenheim, March 6.

At the R.M. Court, Wairau, to-day, McArthur Brothers were fined £l5O and costs for breaches of the Sheep Act. Messrs. Jones and Kent were also fined £lO on two informations.

March 9

Gold has been discovered in Upper Wairau Valley, about 30 miles from Blenheim. Some 40 miners are at work, making from 15s. to 20s. per day. Any rush is deprecated, experts considering that with the first heavy rain the diggings will be flooded and [present works carried away.

Nelson, March 4.

The Education Board have accepted Mr. George Hodgson's resignation, and resolved to advertise for fresh applications for the secretaryship, reducing the salary from £3OO to j£2so per annum. The Aniseed Copper Company yesterday struck a lode of pure black oxide of copper, 2ft. 6in. wide, 120 ft. from the surface. The vein was followed down all the distance without a break

March 5.

A long enquiry took place this afternoon as to a fire which occurred early on the morning of the 3rd March, on the premises of Ellen Folkmann, in Bridge-street. The verdict was that the premise? had been wilfully set on fire, but there was no evidence to show by whom. March 9.

At a meeting of the creditors of Henry Adams, solicitor, his liabilities were given at £8597, and his assets £5915, but these were considered over-estimated, as the properties are heavily mortgaged. A number of questions were asked with reference to money entrusted to debtor for investment, and it was resolved not to assent to the deed of assignment, but to throw the estate into the Bankruptcy Court.

Ga-HYMOUTH, March 4. The man Broadfoot, who was injured by the explosion at the Brunner mine yesterday, died at the hospital to-day. He leaves a widow and large family.

Kumaba, March 4

An important case was decided by the Bench to-day. L. Seibeck was summoned for having a public billiard room open contrary to bye-laws of the borough, without a license, •according to Municipal Corporation Act. Mr. Warnes, as counsel for the defendant, contended that billiard rooms here were never contemplated to come under the clause referred to, but the Bench held that although not specially defined, billiard rooms were

public places of amusement. The case was, however, dismissed, through insufficiency of evidence to prove the charge. This case was tried as a test case.

Hokitika, March 7.

A smart shock of earthquake occurred on Saturday morning at 1.20. Direction from east to west.

Christchurch, March 4

The Senate closed its session this morning, having passed the following among other resolutions :—" That in the event of a Bill for the re-distribution of seats being likely to be brought before Parliament, the Chancellor be requested to call the attention of the Government to the claims of the University to a member ;" and, " That the Senate of the University of New Zealand desires to express its appreciation of the services performed by its late vice-chancellor, Hugh Carleton, Esq., 8.A., in giving effect to the wishes of the Senate, and desires to thank him for his unwearied attention to the business of the Senate during a long course of years." The members of the Board of Education elected to-day were : Messrs. H. J. Tancred, H. R. Webb, and Cunningham. The first two were elected.

March 6.

The 24 hours' walking match for £SO a-side, between Pentecost and Swan, commenced at the Odd Fellows' Hall, last night, at 10 o'clock. At 8 this morning Pentecost retired from the contest, having walked a little over 4' \ miles. Swan, going strong, had covered miles. He has averaged, with spells, miles an hour. Swan hopes to beat young Scott's Christchurch time, and purposes challenging him. This morning, a deputation consisting of Messrs. Bennett, Young, Mathews, Coombes, and Cameron, representing 150 able bodied men out of work, waited upon Messrs. E. C. J. Stevens and S. P. Andrews, M.H.R.'s, members for the city, and read a petition signed by the above number, asking the Government either to transfer petitioners, with their families, to the public works at Waimate, or to resume the public works at Waikari, with an assurance for their continuance during the coming winter. In answer to Mr. Stevens, Mr. Bennett said that the petitioners included carpenter.*, bricklayers, and other mechanics, but were for the most part laborers accustomed to pick and shovel work. Mr. Stevens said that a few days ago he telegraphed to the Prime Minister as to empl yment being provided in the North Island, or here in the same way as in the North Island, and the reply had been that there were more unemployed in the North Island than there was work for, and that if it were proved that distress followed the cessation of harvesting in the South Island the Government would make arrangements for providing work for the unemployed. The difference between this and what the petition required was, that the former contemplated future action, but the latter, immediate action. He asked, would the deputation be prepared to state that the facts mentioned in the petition could be verified. Mr. Bennett assured the hon. members that the signatures were genuine, and that want qf employment was provable. Mr. Mathews mentioned his own circumstance as a case in point. FSince Christmas he had earned only 155., and had to support a wife in bad health and three children. He was willing to work for ss. a day. The committee of working men were most anxious to avoid any appearance of rowdyism, and had deemed the course they were now pursuing would be most likely to induce the Government to take their necessities into consideration. Married men wished to have their wives with them, and he suggested they should be allowed two or three days for making sod whares at Waikari or wherever they could get work. Mr. Stevens understood that it was suggested the Government should pay the men for two or three days while constructing their whares. Mr. Mathews said it was so. If the men had their wives with them they would be able to make the most of their wages. Mr. Bennett, in answer to Mr. Stevens, said that some of the petitioners had been working formerly at Waikari, and he remarked that single men were able to obtain harvest work more easily than married, through their being in a better position to look for it. Mr. Coombes could mention a number of new arrivals, who for three or four months had not done a day's work ; some of these were married men with large families. He himself had been here seven months, and had five children for whom be did not know where to get a loaf. There was, he believed, comparatively more distress in Sydenham than in London. Mr. Andrews said he would gladly co-opsrate with Mr. Stevens in forwarding the petition. He knew of his own knowledge many cases quite as bad as those mentioned in the petition by the deputation. Some of those whose names were attached he knew had truly represented their positions. Mr. Stevens said the Penguin was going away to-night, and he would forward the petition without delay to the Hon. Mr. Hall, and should that gentleman have left Wellington he would arrange that the substance of it should be telegraphed to Aucklaud. Mr. Andrews agreed with his colleague that something should be done immediately. 3100 bushels of prime wheat were sold privately in one line to-day at 3s. 7sd., delivery to be taken. jj P. C. R. Woodford, the founder of Forestery in Canterbury, and who has just attained his 72nd year, is to be presented with a testimonial from the various Courts next week.

March 7. A smart shock of earthquake was felt about half-past 12 yesterday morning. Arrangements heve been definitely made at length to start running the tram cars at seven o'clock to-morrow morning, the Government Engineer having received authority to that effect. Swan finished 100 miles at 9.20 p.m. last evening. He seemed sleepy, but not distressed, and after a short rest slowly walked over the course till the appointed hour of 10 o'clock. Several cases of diphtheria have recently

broken out near Rangiora Bush ; in one family three deaths have occurred, and more are expected. A memorial has been sent by the Chamber of Commerce to Mr. Oliver, pointing out the disparity in rates charged between Lyttelton and Christchurch, and Dunedin and Port Chalmers. The former is 3s. per ton for seven miles : the latter 2?. per ton for eight miles. On the Bluff line the charge is the same as Port Chalmers. The Chamber pointed out that the Minister himself strongly denounced discriminating rates, and urges him to put the Lyttelton line on a better footing. March 8.

Threphine machines are busy throughout the whole of the Ellesmere district. One crop of barley yielded 73 bushels per acre in addition to seconds ; two crops of ditto each 68 ; a crop of oats, 85 ; and a crop of wheat 60 bushels. In the Eyreton and Cust districts the farmers are suffering from a scarcity ol threshing machines. The grain carried to date, on the Christchurch section of the railway, Winchester to Amberley and branches, amounts to 119,331 bags. Twelve cases of typhoid fever have been reported during the past fortnight. The Drainage Board has accepted a tender for the construction of a sewage reservoir. It is understood the engineer's estimate was £41,000.

Moatagu Mosley, the anti-Chiniquy lecturer, was acquitted to-day on the charge of obtaining money by false px*etences. The entries for the ram and ewe fair are— Rams, 1714 ; ewes, 108. This is a decrease on last year of 327 and 178 respectively, but the quality is reported to be better. A fire occurredfon Mr. McCormack's farm near Southbridge, on Saturday, damaging the greater part, and totally destroying a considerable quantity of some 15 CO bushels of wheat just thrashed. The fire is supposed to have been caused by a man lighting his pipe behind a stack. The grain was not insured.

T maru, March 4

Forty-nine applications were received for the post of secretary to the Harbor Board, and that of W. J. Tennant, of Timaru, was accepted. Grain is coming in freely, but the unsettled state of the weather has been against harvesting and progress of crops. At the District Court, to day, Mr. Stout moved for a new trial of the persons found guilty of riot, on two grounds—first, erroneous reception of evidence, Judge Ward having asked a witness whether other processions wearing opposite colors had ever taken place, and receive ! an answer respecting Hennebery's temperance procession wearing green sashes. Mr. Stout objected at the time, and argued that the evidence was calculated to bias the jury, who might think that, as that procession was not objected to, those ought to be punished who obstructed a procession ? of opposite party colors. The second ground was the misdirection of the jury as to the value of O'Driscoll's letter as evidence against him. Mr. Stout contended that the letter should have been Withdrawn from the jury, as there was no evidence that it was received before the disturbance ; or, if received, that it was acted on. If the letter was withdrawn there was no evidence at all against O'Driscoll. His Honor agreed to reserve a special case for the Supreme .Court as far as the letter was concerned, and prisoners were liberated on bail, to come up for judgment when called upon. Duncan Cruickshank was found guilty of fraudulent bankruptcy. Prank Toff's case, fraudulent bankruptcy, remains to be heard, and all sentences to be passed. The application for a new trial in the riot cases was refused. Sentence was deferred, pending the result of the appeal to the Superior Court. The prisoners, six in nunicer, were bound over to appear when required, in £2OO, and two sureties of £IOO each.

March 8.

At the R.M. Court to-day, W. Quinn, Charles Pontiff, Charles Harkins, John Keen, Michael Lynch, and Joseph Sims, lal orers, were committed for trial at the Supreme Court for forcible entry on land of James Bowl, at Makikihi. Quinn held a mortgage over the land.

Oamaru, March 4.

The Town Council have received a cable message from London, containing the information that the £50,000 loan has been floated. This will enable a more vigorous prosecution of the water works scheme, and also afford an opportunity of liquidating the debts incurred by the Council. The works have been at a standstill almost, in consequence of a shortness of funds.

March 6. Mr. John Reid, member of the Railway Commission, went North to-day.

March 8

Messrs. J. and T. Meek intend to make an experimental shipment of oatmeal to the old country. This will afford additional scope for an industry which will be of great benefit to the colony in relieving the excess of oats.

Donedin, March 4. The Dunedin Presbytery have appointed a thanksgiving day for the bountiful harvest. Chiniquy challenges the Roman Catholic Bishop of Dunedin to show that the persecuting laws of the Church of Rome have ever been repealed, and that he is not pledged by a solemn oath to extirf ate all Protestants, so soon as he has the power to do so. Mr. Conyers left to-day on a visit of inspection to the West Coast.

At the City Court two boys, aged 13 and 14 were sent to the Industrial School for two years for petty larceny. Two other boys, charged with escaping from the school, were remanded as the master is absent from town. March 5.

The well-known steeplechase horse Lone Hand has been purchased by Mr. C. Turnbull.

March 8. At the City CU-urt, Edward Rees and James McKheny were charged with fruit stealing. The master of the Industrial School stated that since McEheny's admission the school had got into the most disorganised state. He srtid that McKheny avowed that he was just as happy doincr wrong as doing right, and did not care for gaol flaggings. He (prisoner) was sentenced to two months' imprisonment and Rees to six months ; the former to receive twelve stripes of the cat-o'-uine tails and the latter twelve stripes with the birch.

Mr. Stewart, M.H.R., has telegraphed to Mr. Oliver :—" Deputation of unemployed has just waited on me. They state that a meeting, attended by 500, will be held this morning to urge that the Government should find immediate employment on the Hindon Section, Mullocky Gully. The unemployed represent carpenters, bricklayers, a few engineers, and a large number of ordinary laborers. Many are recently arrived and a number are married. What can the Government do for them ? The case seems to be one of urgency." Scarlet fever and typhoid is very rife in the city and suburbs. Several burglaries have been reported to the police. On Thursday, the residence of Kohn, jeweller, was entered, and jewellery valued at £l5O absti'acted.

At the Harbor Board meeting to-day a committee was appointed, with view of taking action at ensuing session of Parliament with respect to the Board's borrowing powers, it being considered desirable that efforts should be made to get the Government to take the Board's borrowing Bill as their own. The twelfth annual meeting of the Standard Insurance Company was held to-day. The report, which was adopted, recommends that no dividend should be declared. The chairman, in reply to a question, said the losses had been confined exclusively to three offices— Sydney, San Francisco, and London. The directors had decided to close the San Erancisco office, and the London agent had been imperatively instructed to confine his operations to colonial business. The directors proposed making such limitations as would preclude the possibility of the same losses occurring again ; they had also resolved on discontinuing certain business which had all along proved unremunerative. M essrs. J. Reid and O. Curie were re-elected directors. ?g March 9.

At the City Court, James Gibson, for stealing from the persou, was committed for trial.

The L Battery Artillery of Poit Chalmers will attend the Christchurch Review.

Some time ago the City Council resolved to insure the new Town Hall for £20,000, and invited tenders from the different Insurance Companies. The Fire Underwriters Association have tendered at 4s. per £IOO, the whole sum of £20,000 to be equally divided among all the offices. The matter was referred to the Town Hall Committee.