INTERPROVINCIAL.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 3285, 8 April 1885, Page 2

INTERPROVINCIAL.

(By Telegraph.) Taubanga, April 7. Major Swindloy has declared his intention of contesting the Tauranga seat. New Plymouth, April 1. Captain Davidson, J.P. and Coroner for the district, committed suicide at bis re*i* denoe this afternoon by blowing out bis braipe. The deed was done vitb a

revolver, tlie bullet entering the roof of the mouLh. lloueuii-v complications are tlie usigncd reason for the deed. Tlie deceased was connected with public bodies, was formerly Mayor of New Plymouth and captuin of the Turanuki Cuvnlry, and at one time held the rank of Major-Ocneval in the American Armv. He leaven a wife and large family. From particular* it appears that deceased had been at his business all day till 3 when he returned home, after having procured a revolver from a shop in town. About 10 minutes after his arrival ho wtmt into the shrubbery adjoining his residence aud shot himself through the brain, death being instantaneous. Deceased was well-known and much respected, having been Coroner and Mayor, and held several important offices. An inquest was held this evening, when the following evidence was given : — John Bleasdale stated he was in the same grounds with deceased a few minutes prior to the occurrence, but left, and afterwards hoard the report of a pistol in the direction where he had seen deceased sitting, and saw him lying on the ground. He went to him and found him lying on his side quite dead. DrLeathan stated that the bullet had passed through the upper part of the mouth, penetrating the brain and skull. Deceased he understood was embarrassed in money matter*, and had used a threat the diiy previous that he would shoot himself. The inquest is still proceeding, and is not expected to be concluded till midnight. The Courthouse is crowded to overflowing. Wanoanct, April 7. The Volunteers from the Nelson encampment returned to-day per the Charles Edward and Kennedy. The country corps left by the afternoon train for home. An inquest was held to-day on the remains of the man found on the Turakina beach. The remains are greatly multilated, and have been identified as the body of John Laird, who was drowned when crossing tho bar of the river in a boat a fortnight ago. Mr S. Vaile lectured on Bailway Beform to-night to a fair audience, considering the holidays. The lecturer was much applauded. Wellington, April 7. The Hineinoa sailed for Lyttelton at 5 tonight. Major Eccles, A.D.C., is a passenger, and goes to Christchurch to arrange for the departure of His Excellency and family to Wellington. Colonel Eeader is also a passenger to the South on business connected with the Volunteer and Defence Department. The Hon. Mr Ballanco will leave for Lyttelton to-morrow. The Minister for De fence has received over 100 applications for appointments as officers in the Defence Force. A man named John McCarthy, foreman for Bayliss, contractor, has been killed by being run over by a dray. Miss DeGrey and Company are having a very successful season here. Blbnheim, April 7. A charge of rape on a 10-year-old girl was preferred against a navvy in the E.M. Court to-day. The prisoner was remanded till Friday to enable him to procure legal assistance. The holiday yesterday was chiofly observed in. picnics, steamer excursions, and rabbit Bhooting. The weather was fine and bright. Bebfton, April 7. Two county election petitions, which have been before the Magistrate's Court since January last, were- brought to a conclusion on Saturday last. In the first, which was a petition against the election of Mr Patrick Brennan, tor Beefton Riding, 66 out of 71 •votes, alleged to have been recorded improperly for him, were struck off, and his election declared void. The candidates declared properly elected were Messrs Menteath and Campbell. Costs were given against Mr Brennan, £163 12s. In tho second petition, against -Mr Mente.ath, 21 votes were challenged, but only 13 were declared improperly recorded, and as Mr Menteath's majority stood at 19, the striking off did not affect the election, but made Campbell and Brennan ties. The Magistrate gave his. casting vote for the sitting member, Mr Brennan, consequently the former no longer, holds a seat in the Council. Nearly 300 witnesses • were examined, and the costs amounted to nearly £1000. A probable appeal will be mode to the Supreme Court. Chbistchubch, April 7. The sale of the Middle Park yearlings" was held this morning. Six lots were offered, but tho only sale effected was - a chestnut colt, by Aprimont out of Aglia, for 110 guineas, to Mr Walter Beeves. Charles Hawkei* was to-day committed for trial on a charge of aiding and abetting his brother Richard, who is accused of attempting to Bet fire to his house on Ferry Road. W. Brown, the jockey, has been prohibited from, riding by the C.J.C. till after the. Timaru meeting, for insolence and insubordination at the start of the Selling Bace. £8,200 was put through Messrs Hobbs and Goodwin's totatilsatora to-day, making a total of £16,589 for two days. Swan at 10 p.m. had disposed of Anderson, the Becond of six local men who are competing against him. He had then covered 170 miles against the local men's 141 miles. Dunedin, April 7. White, of Nenthorn assault notoriety, got 14 days on bread and wnter for his riotous behavior in gaol. The criminal sittings of the Supreme Court commence to-morrow morning. Major Cautley this morning visited Lawyer's Head and Forbury, and this afternoon he went to Taiaroa Heads with a view of ascertaining the most suitable] position in ■which to place the big guns. The City Council to-night, by the casting vote of the Mayor, rejected the proposal to ' allow the Dunedin Naval Band to play on Sundays in the Gardens, which was recommended by a committee. A farewell meeting to the Bev. Joseph Berry, who goes to Christchurch, was held to-night in the Wesleyan Church. The Bev. J. Morley succeeds him.