NEW ZEALAND TELEGRAMS,

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 7113, 10 July 1886, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND TELEGRAMS,

[per pbess association.] NARROW ESCAPE OP EXPLORING PARTY. Auckland, July 10. The exploring party at Eotomahana on Thursday had a narrow escape for their lives, being within 200 yards of the big crater when the explosion occurred, which was seen as far as Tauranga. The Maoris propose to tapu the ground where tho Mouri Miki natives died ; also to put up tollgates on the mud. fields at the terraces to raise a revenue from tourists. THE PETHEL CASE. The Petrel iuquiry closed yesterday, so far as the evidence is concerned. Mr. Cotter addreses for the defence on Wednesday. Two of tho Portuguese belonging to the whaler Petrel, at Russell, who recently deserted, were captured by the police and returned to the vessel. With the exception of the accused officers aud witnesses now attending the Court in Auckland the Petrel orew are now cv board their vessel, and are expected to return home in her. FOUND GUILTY OF ARSON. George McOaulin has been found guilty oi arson ; his wife, Ann McCauliu, was acquitted. Sentouco was deferred. GISBORNE I'ETUOLEUM WORKS. Gisijoknb, July 9. There has been considerable speculation in oil shares since it came to light that tho bore of the South Paoific petroleum works had to be plugged. It is said that 100 foet of oil is showing iv tho pipe of the South Pacific detroleum well aud that the hole has had to be plugged. Weaver, the borer, is believed to bo waiting for instructions from the Sydney directors before removing the plug. Tho opinion is that it will be proved that oil has been struck. A NEWSPAPER CASE. Napier, July 10. The Supreme Court sittings were resumed yesterday, when judgment was delivered in the case of Sawkius v. Evening News Company ; claim for three months' salary iv lieu of notice, plaintiff being summarily dismi&sod from tho editorship of the defendant Company's newspaper. Hia iHouor

gave judgment for one week's salary only. In the criminal libel action Thomson v. Sawkins, the plaintiff did not proceed, and. the case lapsed. 300 MEN ON VERGE OF STARVATION 7 . Dunedin, Jaly 9. The Mayor has telegraphed to the Government that there are 300 men on the verge of starvation ia Dunediu. FIRE IN DUMEDIN. Dunedin, July 10. A five-roomed house in Duke-street, owned by Tapper, timber merchant, was burnt down yesterday. Insured, with contents, for £650, in the South British, of which £250 is re-insured. COLONIAL BANK. The half-yearly balance sheet of the Colonial Bank of New Zealand shows that the net profit for the year, after nialdug the usual allowance, amounts to £18,950. Adding to this a balance from last half-year and deducting tax on note circulation, and £500 donation to the Guarantee Association, there is available £20,419. Out of this it is proposed to pay a dividend of 7 per cent, per annum on the paid up capital, and to add £1000 to reserve fund, and carry forward £5419. Mr. John Eoberts is the only candidate for the vacancy in the directorate.