TELEGRAMS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9978, 21 February 1894, Page 2

TELEGRAMS.

(Phs Uhited PpEs's Association.) Auckland, February 20. In' Chambers to-day an application was made for further time to file a .'defence in the libel case of Thomas C. Kerry v. Henry Brett. The matter was adjourned. At tho annual meeting of the Auckland Institute the report showed that there were 177 members. The financial report showed the invested fund 3, including the Costley bequest, as £12,489. Mr J. H. Upton was elected president. , The Itev, Chas Strong, of Melbourne, has sent a letter of sympathy to the Rev. S. J. Neill (Thames) in reference to the proceedings against the latter gentleman, ; ■ Owing to the sudden resignation of Angus M'Donald, the town clerk and treasurer of the Parnell Borough Council,--the Government auditor to-day took possession of-.all the books and papers connected with the office. It is understood that John King was ta-day served with a summons charging him with an offence under " The Corrupt Practices Act 1881," by paying £1 10s for the hire of a carriage to convey electors to the poll on the occasion of the contested election between Messrs Cadman aud Rees. The case is set down for hearing on the 28th. Pauierston North, February 20. At a meeting of creditors iv the estate of J. C Morey, draper, Feilding, it was decided to institute proceedings against the debtor under the penal clauses of the act. Weixinqton, February 20. In the face of complaints as to the extortionate charges levied upon tourists by Natives at Rotorua for permission to view various sights in that district, the Government have resolved to proclaim access to the places a public road. Mr Dunbar Johnston, of the Native Lund Office in Auckland, has been appointed Native Land Registrar in Wellington.

Chuistchujicii, February 20.

At the Supreme Court to-day Alfred John Burgess (a solicitor), Matthew James Sherwin, and Frederick Jennings were found guilty of conspiring against William Adam Taylor,, and by threatening to accuse him of an unnatural offence obtaining £50 from him. Burgess was sentenced to 12 months', Sherwin to six months', and Jennings to three months' hard labour. This concluded the criminal sessions.

The public meeting convened by the Pro gressive Liberal Association to consider the qnestion of old age pensions was held tonigh'j, and was well attended. Addresses were given by the Hon. W. P. Reaves, Messrs W. W. Collins, G. J. Smith,. J. Joyce, D. Buddo, and G. W. Russell, M.H.R'a., and others. A motion was carried "that this meeting ia of opinion that the question of old age pensions is wortby of the attention of the Government, and requests that it be inquired into and reported upon by a commission in time for consideration at the approaching session of Parliament." The matter of the present system of the administration of charitable aid was referred to a committee of the association to considsr and bring np a report at another meeting.

The Rifle Association meeting pVomises to be a great success. Major Sommerville states that it ia probable two ladies from Invercargill will enter for the meeting. Rifle club men living at a distance should apply for passes at once.

* Invehcabgill, February 20. The criminal business of the Supreme Court, which extended over a week, concluded this morning, when a verdict of "Not guilty" was returned in the case of Clifford W. Pollard, charged, with attempting to wound. The civil business commenced this afternoon.' It includes actions for damages for seduction and breach of promise, application for divorce, and seven other claims.