TELEGRAMS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 8020, 4 November 1887, Page 2

TELEGRAMS.

IPbb United Pbess Association.)

Auckland, November 3.

A number of clients of Messrs Thome and Rigby, solicitors, have signed a letter addressed to Mr Rigby expressive of their sympathy with that gentleman and unabated confidence in his

integrity. They believe in his ability to explain satisfactorily all the allegations that are made against him in connection with his leaving England and changing his name on coming to the colony. The sensation with respect to this matter has deepened, and the charges against Rigby are the all-absorbing topic of conversation.

A seven-roomed house in Edinburgh street, Newton, owned and occupied by Mr Thomas Hobson, was completely gutted by fire at 10 a.m. to-day. The furniture, which was partly saved, was insured for £100 in the Royal office, and the building for £200 in the same office.

New Plymouth, November 3.

The appeal by ratepayers against the New Plymouth harbour rate wra heard to-day before Mr Justice Gillies. Mr Govett, instructed by Mr Travers, appeared for the ratepayers, and Mr Samuel for the board. His Honor dismissed the appeal with costs, at the same time remarking that he saw no grounds whatever for doubting that the rate had been properly levied. Leave to appeal to the Court of Appeal was duly granted upon Mr Samuel consenting and pointing out that if not granted the ratepayers probably would move the Supreme Court in the first instance for a writ of certiorari, and then take an appeal to the Court of Appeal as a matter of right, thus entailing a delay of six months and very largely increasing expense, and possibly preventing ratepayers from paying their rates and supplying funds to meet coupons on the loan.

Wellington, November 3.

The Gazette notifies that the Governor has been please'l to remove George Nathaniel Brassey, of Auckland, from the office of coroner.

The evidence in Stewart's compensation case is concluded, but arguments on the law points have yet to be taken. No date has been fixed, and the result will not be known for some days.

Greymouth, November 3.

It is now pretty well known that the Union Company's new steamer Pukaki will not come here at all now, at least until other arrangements allow of it. Neither the difficulty of loading nor the backwardness of the hydraulic cranes are the cause of her being placed in the Newcastle coal trade, where she is now running.