TELEGRAMS.

Southland Times, Issue 9384, 25 November 1886, Page 2

TELEGRAMS.

(PBB PRESS ASSOCIATION.) AUCKLAND, Nov. 24. After an enquiry extending over two full days into the burning of (ribbon's cooperage at Onehunga on the 19th of October last, the jury, at 11.20 last night, returned a verdict — "That the mill .was set fire to wilfully by some person or perßona unknown." In tho course of the evidenco takeD, Ernest Kerab, an employe of Gibbons, swore that the latter repeatedly asked him to burn down the place at intervals extending over two months prior to the fire. Mrs Kerab corroborated her husband's statement, having overheard a portion of the conversation, and a settler named Chapman deposed •that five weeks before the fire Kerab told him Gibbon had offered him LlO to burn down the place. The unemployed arranged to meet the Mayor this morning, but only Garrard at- J tended, stating that the other four of the deputationists bad got work. .The Mayor held out no hope of the Council offering relief works after their unsatisfactory experience of " unemployed " labour. A conference took place to-day between the Board of Education and the City Schools Committee as to the be6t method of working the compulsory clauses of the Act. It is said that 200 children are wait ing admission to the public schools for whom there is no accommodation. The establishment of a Truant echool for 300 children in the city was suggested. The Hon. Mr Walgrave, who has just, visited Tonga, states his impression that adherents to the Wosloyan mission there are practically subjected to Government pressure and social disabilities and persecution, and that absolute freedom for religious worship does not exist. HAWERA, Nov. 24. The charge against J. D, McLean of being in possession of a gan with unlawful intent, has assumed a new form. The charge now at the Court this morning, i 3 for attempt to murder Fredk. Iredalo. The evidence showed that McLesn fired at Iredalo when 60 yards eff him, but missed. The cross-examination of tbe prosecutor has not yet been entered upon, but it is understood that the reason alleged by tho prisoner for his action is that Iredale seduced his wife. Iredale denies.that he did so. WOODVILLE, Nov. 24. The charges against Bell for indecently assaulting children in the Anglican Church vestry resulted in his being committed for trial. WELLINGTON, Nov. 24 This morning Mr T. K. McDonald, the auctioneer, and Mr J. Bamforth, were fined five pounds and treble duty and costs for [neglecting to furnish returns under the Property Assessment Act. Both pleaded a .belief that the return had been forwarded, and that they only discovered the omission too late. Dr Fell, who was similarly mulcted, did not appear. The heaviest thunderstorm for 20 years was experienced in Masterton yesterday. Some animals were killed by the light ning, and several fireballs were seen at intervals. Sir J. Yogel has received a cable from the Agent-General stating that the San Francioco mail will henceforth bs sent from Southampton by the German Lloyd's line. This is the result of the dispute mentioned in a cablegram this week. Sir J. Yogel baa consented to allow press cables to come " urgent " from Wakapuaka to Wellington at ordinary preiis rates, Thia means a considerable saving both in time and expense to the New Zealand Press. CHRISTCHURCH, Nov. 24. To-day Mr Baetham, R.M., dismissed with costs the appeal of the New Zealand Trust and [Loan Co. against the Property Tax Commissioner. The Company objected to pay tax on L 35,000 interest transmitted to London. Mr Baetham held that as the money was collected it was liable to taxation. DDNEDIN, Nov. 24. At a meetiog of delegates from country A. and P. Associations, held this evening, about 40 were present, reprosentin^ eleven Bocietiep. A resolution was passed that f-iim^rs resist the charge of allowing 2£ per cent, discount on grain and that all baga be paid for or returned. The City Council m9t this evening for the third time to consider the reports on the gasworks and retrenchment, and for the third time had to adjourn owing to the want of a quorum. A large crowd of ratepayers attended, and the feeling shown waa so atroug among the latter that the Mayor had to send for policemen, but the crowd subsided and the meeting adjourned. Three of the miners on strike at Kaitangata — Ooutls, McMinn and McVie — were to-day charged with various illegal acts calculated to provoke a breach of the peace. Thecase arose out of a recent demonstration against the manager. Coutts was fined LI and costs, and ordered to find sureties to keep the peace for six months ; and the other two men were fined in similar amounts. The fines were* paid. Ayouag man named George Wobater, of Waitahuna, was drowned to-day whilo