INTERPROVINCIAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 1764, 12 September 1885, Page 15

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, September 9.

An immense and distinguished audience assembled to hear Mr George Augustus Sala tonight, although only 24 hours' notice of the lecture was given. For more than two hours, without reference to book or note, the great journalist gave a most graphic description of the Russian Empire, concluding with his opinion as to the probability of war between England and Russia. He held his audience from first to la&t. Great regret is expressed that Mr Sala oannot prolong his stay. He leaves for Wellington, and on his way back to Melbourne will leoture in Tasmania. Mr Sala was entertained at the Northern Oldb with a eeleot party by Mr B. O f M'Millan, He made a speech referring to his CbTonial impires'sibna.

George Shepherd, one of the assistant stewards of the Manapouri, charged with smuggling tobacco ashore, was lined double the value of the goods or 14 days' imprisonment.

Wellington, September i). The body of a newly-born infant was found in the harbour to-night. It was headless. A well-known prostitute was charged under the amended Police Statute witii being tho occupier of a disorderly house, &c. The prosecution is a private one, being brought by residents in the neighbourhood of the house. Interest was attached to it through it being the firht caseunder the amended act. After some evidence .had been taken, counsel for defendant ott'oruil on her behalf to close the house aud leave. Ihe neighbourhood, but council for plaintiff, while acknowledging that the closing of the house was the primary object, declined to abandon the case, as on grounds of public morality he was instructed to press for a conviction. The case was adjourned until Friday.

Invercahgiu.., September !).

Bridget Campbell was to-day committed for trial at the Supreme Court for setting lw. to ha 1 house at Aveual with intend to defraud the Standard Insurance Company.

Considerable interest has been taken during the week in the glove contest between E. Donovan, of Auckland, and T. Williams, of Invurcargill, which was to take place in the Lyceum on Thursday. Sir Vezey was to acb as rcforue and Mr J. Samuels as timekeeper.

The depth of the bore at the Southern Cross Petroleum Company's ground ih reported to be 365 ft, and driving is much easier.