NEW ZEALAND.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2115, 2 January 1880, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND.

[Pee “Tuies” Special Wire.]' Burnt to Beatb. Invercargill, Jan. 2.—A cottage at Punt Creek occupied by Mary Lena* ban, Avidow of “ Billy the Bellman,” was burnt last night, and the remains of the widow were found among the ruins. A young man named Hawkins jyas lately committed for trial for an alleged rape cm the deceased. Begrth of a Major. Major McPorie, of the Southland Volunteers, 1 and a well-known Mason, died last night of apoplexy. The Wires on Strike. Dunedin, Jan. 2.—Twelve telegraph operators here have joined the strihe. The first prize in Cameron’s stveep fell to a Corporation laborer, second, to Sullivan, a basket-maker in Dunedin, and the third to Robert Waugh, storekeeper, Pine Hill. Trial of Christchurch Rioters. Christchurch, Jan. 2.— The riot cases arc proceeding this morning in the old Provincial Chambers. The strangers’ gallery and precincts of the building are crowded. ITp to 2 o’clock the witnesses examined had only identified four of the accused, when a short adjournment took place. Mr Joyce was interrupted in an attempt to prove an alibi on behalf of Teague. The cases are likely to last till late' tomorrow. Mr Joynt, appearing for Barratt and others, elicited a reply from the Bench that it is unlikely that any of the cases will be dealt with summarily. Mr Harper, on behalf of the Protestant Alliance, undertook .to produce the banners used by the procession so as to avoid lengthy descriptions. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ' V