WITHIN THE COLONY.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume II, Issue 114, 21 February 1894, Page 3

WITHIN THE COLONY.

NEWS BT TELEGRAPH

(Prr Purr* Association.) Old Age Pensions.

Christchurch, This day. A public meeting, convened by the Progressive Liberal Association to consider the question of old age pension*, was held last night and was well attended. Addresses were given by the Hon. Mr Reeves, and Messrs W. W. Collins, G. J. Smith. D. Duddo, G. W. Russell, M’s.H.R., and others. A motion was carried requesting the Government to have the question of old age pensions enquired into and reported upon by the Commissioner in time for consideration in the approaching sesaion of Parliament.

Killed by a Tram.

Christchurch, This day. A young man named George Nesbitt was killed on the Sumner tram line last night. His hat blew off and he jumped from the tram to recover it but fell, one of the cars passing over him. The Stout Election Petition. Wellington, This day. Argument was commenced in the Supreme Court yesterday, before the Chief Justice and Justice Richmond in connection with Sir Robert Stout's election petition case. Mr Jellicoe. for Sir K. Stout, moved That the petition be expunged from the files of the Court, on the grounds : 1. That the said petition was not presented to the lieturning Officer in the manner and time prescribed by the said Act and the rules of the court made in that behalf. 2. That no security as by law required was given in the manner and time prescribed by the said statute and rule. 8. That the petitioner did not for 7 days after the alleged presentation cause the same to be published in some paper circulating in tho district, such publication not having been excused by the Court or Judge. Mr Jellicoe'* argument in support of the motion occupied the whole day and was resumed this morning. Later. Argument in the Stout election petition was resumed this morning by Mr Jellicoe, who contended with reference to the third ground of motion that the court had no power to enlarge time for publication of petition. Mr Sim also addressed the court at some length in support of the various grounds. Mr Jellicoe's motion, lie submitted, was absolutely essential to constitute the proper presentation that the petition should reach the hands of the Returning Officer within the time proscribed by statute. Impossibility’ to do this was not sufficient excuse. Mr Boynton also addressing the court, said his client Lindsay had been misled into making the charges, charges that he had no grounds < for substantiating, and did not even know of when he signed the petition. Mr Edwards, for,.petitioner Kobett, argued it was not necessary the petition should be served on the returning officer personally, and contended the petitioner should not have to suffer because of the returning officer's absence. The whole matter arose through his absence. That was quite unjustifiable, for not only was Mr James away from Wellington, but he had gone to a part of the country where it was impossible to find him. Mr Edwards also contended the security had been lodged in time.

The Native Trouble.

Auckland, This day. The Topouatia native difficulty ended in a very tame style. Inspector Hickson warned Kahan and followers against breaking the law. Kahau said tho Natl- os intended to stop the survey of road tl rough Hauhou land, the Government l iving neglected to give Tawhaiodue legal notice. Inspector Hickson informed Karhau that they did not recognise Tawhaio. If there was any illegality in the action of the Government, the natives hud remedy in the Supreme Court. Kaihau replied the Natives hud nc money to spend in litigation, and asked that the matter bo referred to Tawhaio. Mr Hickson again declined to recognise Tawhaio, whereupon Kaihau said nothing further could be done. lie again consulted Tawhaio and a general handshaking followed. Kalian bade adieu to Mr Hickson, who returned the greeting. The Natives galloped awuy, inspector Hickson and his force returning to Auckland. It is behoved Kaihau’s intention was to simply harrass the Government. It is feared the incident may be repeated shortly,

Lowering a Record. Dunedin, This day

Duff, the Melbourne bicyclist, reached here at 9 o’clock this morning, thus making the journey from Christchurch to Dunedin in 161ns smiu. Thu 24 hours Australian record, which stands at 223 miles, was lowered to 227 miles.

Sudden Death.

Dunedin, This day. Walter Scrivener, accountant, died suddenly yesterday. Failure of the heart’s action was the cause.

An Important Argument.

Auckland. This Day. An important argument is proceeding in Banco in connection with the sale of shares in the Loan and Mercantile Agency. J ames Reid, sharebroker, is plaintiff, and Alex. McCorquodale, miller, defendant. The question at issue is whether the transfer of shares in tho New Zealand Loan and Mercantile executed in England is subject to the provisions of the New Zealand Stamp Act, 1862, and whether such transfer irrespective of tho stamp act is a good transfer.