WELLINGTON, Thursday.

Southland Times, Issue 2916, 19 October 1877, Page 3

WELLINGTON, Thursday.

Political

Colonel Whitmore has been sworn in as Colonial Secretary in the new Government vice Sir George Grey, who resigns that office.

3Kr Mackay

Up to eight o'clock the Cabinet had not decided «s to the petition regarding the liberation of Mr James Mackay. They will consider the matter shortly:

NAPIEE, Thursday. Monument to Sir JBonaUl Ifteliean

A movement was commenced yesterday t© collect a fund to erect a monument to the late Sir Donald McLean. The affair haß been well commenced. It waß inaugurated yesterday by a meeting of Highlandmen at Kaikora, about 25 being present, when over £500 was collected in he room.

TIMARU, Thursday. Jncig-e Ward Threatens an Action for libel

The South Canterbury Times states tbat Judge Ward threatens the proprietor with an action for libel for an article on the 12th September reflecting upon Judge Ward in connection with certain evidence relating to the Stamp Act that came out in the Waka Maori case. Judge Ward requires LIOO to be paid to the Timaru Hospital, and an apology in the paper. The Times refuses to apologise.

DUNEDLN", Thubsday Prondfoot's Cane

At 12.40 Proudfoot's jury was sent for, and in answer to the Judge, the foreman jaid there was not the slightest probability of their agreeing. His Honor •ordered their discharge. Prisoner's sßOuasel applied for another special jury, but this was opposed by counsel for the Crown on the ground that there was no likelihood of a special jury, drawn from the Dußedin community, agreeing, as the panel would be known a week before the trial. He was willing that a change of Teaue should take place, or that the prisoner should be tried by a common jury in Dunedin. His Honor thought a change <oi venue would be desirable. He granted A *pecial jury trial to be set down for the 31et iast. It is stated that eight or nine jurors were for finding Proudfoot guilty, and the remainder for acquittal.

Fire

Afire broke out to-day ia a building at the rear of Court's Hotel, which was Joiatly occupied by Messrs Clenahan and Co., Qann and Boss, and Bing,'Harris and Co. The latter firm estimate their loss at L3OO. The loss of property is censiderable, but no accurate estimate can be formed.