INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXIII, Issue 7323, 26 September 1898, Page 3

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS.

(by telegraph. ) (PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.) WELLINGTON. September 26. The Akaroa had a rough voyage. Her decks were frequently awash. She saw nothing of the missing ship Lake Ontario. Ab the Government caucus this afternooD, according to an official report, the principal matter discussed was the Old Age Pensions Bill, upon which there was considerable talk. An understanding was arrived at with respect to certain provisions of the Bill, and it was unanimously decided to endeavor to pass it. Mr Seddon expresFe.'l a hope that the Bill would be discussed on its merits. The question of Bills to be dropped was also considered. Mr Seddon stated that several important measures have to be passed no matter how long the session lasted. It was decided to hold a caucus later on to consider the matter. AUCKLAND. September 24. Christian is the name of the man condemned to death for the wilful murder of a woman and child on Pitcairn Island. Latest information regarding the coralboring operations at Funafuti states that hydraulic boring conducted from H'M.S. Porpoise had to be abandoned when a depth of 280 ft had been reached owing to the boring rods buckling. The party on shore had gone down to a distance of 800fb. The hearing of evidence in the case in which ex-Constable Skinner is charged with committing perjury was ccntiaued to-day. The taking of evidence for the defence was concluded. GREYMOUTH. September 25. A fire occurred this morning in a shop occupied by Miss Wisdom, dressmaker. The shop was completely gutted and the stock destroyed. Austin's butchery and dwelling, and Johnston and Costigan's bakery were also partially destroyed by fire and water. The insurance on Miss Wisdom's stock is L3O, and the damage is estimated at LBO. The otliers are covered by insurance. NEW PLYMOUTH. September 26. A fatal accident occurred on the main road near Pungarehu this morning. Ad old Maori woman named Rahirl and her son, in a light gig, were passing an express driven by Ringham, of Hawera, whan the gig went over a big stone. The woman was thrown r.nt under the express wheels, which passed over her, killing her instantaneously. She was the widow of the wellknown chief Hone Pihama. HASTINGS. September 24. In the Native Land Court this morning Judge Scannell made an order under section 122 of the Land Court Act, 1894. constituting certain natives interested in the Pohokura Block of 55,000 acres, near Tarawera, a corporation, in order that they may elect a committee to deal with the block as they may think fit. It is understood that the land is to be sold to the Government. This, ib is stated, is the first order of kind made in the colony. INVERCARGILL. September 26. The Supreme Court opened to-day, before Judge Pennefather. A girl named Annie Martini, aged 18 years, for forgery, was released on 12 months' probation. Thomas M'Donald, aged 19 years, on two chatges of forgery, was sentenced to nine months'. There are only two more criminal cases, but there is a long civil list.