TELEGRAPHIC BRIEFS.

Otago Witness, Issue 1897, 12 June 1890, Page 24

TELEGRAPHIC BRIEFS.

A case came before Dr Giles, R.M., Resident Magistrate at Auckland, on Friday last, which is of some interest to members of friendly societies in Otago. The case was A. Ibbotson and others v. S. J. Jackman, a claim of £33 3s sd. Mr Thome appeared for the defendant. This was a judgment summon?. The plaintiffs were trustees of the Order of Foresters of the United Otago district. Evidence was given by the defendant, who said he was doing his best to meet the various claims against him. He admitted that his life was insured and that he was keeping up the payments. His Worship did not think the defendant should be pressed, as the evidence had not shown anything discreditable to him. It was quite right that a man should provide for his wife and family by keeping up his payments towards his insurance. He made an order that the amount claimed be paid by instalments of 30s per month.

The Auckland Gas Company have declined all liability in regard to the alleged error four years ago in the valuation of their property, by which the sum of £800 has been lost to the city. In closing his sermon at St. Mark's Church, Wellington on Sunday evenihg last, the Rev. Mr. Coffey advocated early closing, and hoped its adoption would result in an increase in the number of the male sex at church on Sunday mornings, for it was sad to see that the morning congregation was mainly composed of bonnets.

The Post says it has good authority for saying Sir J. Vogel intends to stand for New Plymouth next election, also that the defence forces are to be reorganised on the basis of General Edwards' report, in which a partially paid force will be the most prominent feature. The scheme is said to be of large proportions, involving considerable expense.

At a meeting of the Puhipuhi Railway League at Whengarei, an opinion favourable to the construction of the railway from Kamo to Waotu Bridge, near Hukerenui, was expressed, and delegates were appointed to interview tha Auckland members on this subjp.-t. This line will skirt the Puhipuhi Forest. Messrs Hobbs and R. Thompson, M.H.R's, were present. The latter supported the proposal, but 6aid rhe construe 1 ion of the through line from Kamo to Kawakawa meant further borrowing, and he could not agree with it. A petition to the General Assembly urging the construction of the Kamo-Puhipuhi tramway extension is being circulated for siguature in the districts interested.

An Auckland telegram of the 10th says that a Native named Te Wehini, brother of the well-known chief Wahanui, die.d 1-st week. A number of Maoris bay that after the body was put into the coffin three distinct knocks were heard on the lid, and it is alleged by some of them that the man was not dead.

A curious case has been heard in the R.M. Court, Napier. Some time ago a traveller named Morton brought an action against the Union Steam Ship Company for a lost portmanteau. He claimed £55, and recovered judgment For £20. His solicitor, Cresswell, handed him £12 9h Gd, the balance being retained for coats in excess of the amount allowed by the court. Mortou uo-v brought an action against Cresswell for Ilia anaount retained. Judgment was reserved.

A !i f raiigo point, cropped up at a, meeting of the Hi'rotaunga Licouhing Committre. Application w<is made for a license for a hotol at Moawh.inj;.'i, in Pate;i county, about 70 miles from Napifr. All Suroppin residents except one, and mont Native resident;*, petitioned for grant-

ing the license, on the ground that «i hotel would be far better than the large amount ot bad grog now sold on the sly. Moawhanga being a Native district, a Native commissioner had to bit with the committee. All European members of the committeii were in favour of issuing the license, but the Native commissioner objected, and it was fouud that his single vote overruled the other five under the act.

Mr Humphreys, M.H.R.. who was to have addressed the electors of Christchurch North on Tuesday night, has been prevented from doing so by haviug sprained his knee.