PROVINCIAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 1419, 1 February 1879, Page 19

PROVINCIAL.

Oamaeu, January 23rd. At the inquest held today on the body of an old Bettler, named Thomas Howie, who was killed at Ngapara on Monday by the upBtitting of his dray, a verdict of " Accidental death " was returned. Deceased had been in the Colony over 30 yeare. At the Resident Magistrate's Court today an aged man named James Williams was committed for trial at the District Court for indecently assaulting % girl under 12 years of age named Elizabeth Smith. A you >g man named George Stewart was brought up at the Resident Magistrate's Court to day en a charge of embezzling a certain cheque for L 27, which was in his possession as bailee, at Port Molyneux on the 20th of last October.- The prisoner, at the time of t.be alleged offence, was engaged in a bank at Balclutha. He was remanded for the production of evidence, and will probably be forwarded to Balclutha in a few Says. A man named Williams, 60 years of age, was charged at the Police Court yesterday with indecently assaulting a young girl named Elizabeth Smithi The offence wae committed in a flour-mill in whicn prisoner was employed. The evidence dißcloaed aome most di-gtmtiog facts. Prisoner waa committed for trial at the District Court, bail being allowed.

Oamaro, January 'Mm. A small cottage, occupied by a man nanuvl M'Calluni, was burned to the ground on Satyr day night. It is not known whether it is insured. January 27th. A fire occurred tbw morning in a home known as the Melbourne Boarding home. Fortunately, owing to the prompt measures taken for its extinction, the damage was coni fined to one room. The place is insured in the New Zealand Office. Lawrence, January 24^. Jeremiah Ryan, the eldest son of Martin Ryan, of Waitahuna, fell from his horse and broke his leg to-day.