CHARGE OF CRIMINAL LIBEL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4573, 18 February 1893, Page 3

CHARGE OF CRIMINAL LIBEL.

SYDNEY, Fbb. 17. Mr Fergusson, proprietor of the Cumberland Times, has been committed for trial for a criminal libel on Messrs Crick, Willis, Alexander and Hutchison, members of the Legislative Assembly. The article complained of made charges of a disgraceful nature.

[Per Pbess Association.] CONGEATULATION. AUCKLAND, Feb. 17. The adherents of the Free Church of Scotland in this city have decided to send an address of congratulation to the Church in Scotland on the occasion of itß jubilee. A EUSH. There is reported to be quite a rush to Blind Bay, Great Barrier, in consequence of the recent discoveries of silver, the tests of quartz found by Messrs Sanderson Bros., the first prospectors, having proved satisfactory, and a Government officer is surveying the claims. BUILDING STONE. j A quarry of stone suitable for building ; purposes has been found upon' land at Matamata, belonging to the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company. PHENOMENAL TIDE. Within the last six or seven days some singular tide phenomena have been noticed in Auckland harbour, the movement of the tides being erratic and the range of riße and fall exceptionally smell. On Friday night the water rose about 4ft Gin, when in the ordinary course it would have risen 7ft or Bft. As a consequence of this the caisson of the Calliope dock could not be floated, and the German warship Bussard was unable to dock that night. It has I been found also that the sea has ebbed and flowed on the one tide. DISTINGUISHED VISITOES. WELLINGTON, Feb. 17. The' 'Countess of Kintore and two daughters arrived from Nelson this morning. The party leaves to-morrow morning by train for Auckland, via Napier and the Thermal Springe district. LUNACY. Some time ago a woman, in a fit of madness, drowned her infant in a bath, and to-day her husband was committed to the asylum as a Innatic

PUBLIC TBUST. Properties placed in the Public Trnst Office are now relieved of postal and telegraphic oharges, and it is understood that other concessions will be made if found to the interest of the office to do so. MINISTERIAL. NELSON, Fbb. 17. The Hohb M'Kenzie and Cadman left for \ Bai Valley and Havelock to-day. "NOT GUILTY." ....'. INVEECAEGILL, Fbb. 17. After a trial, extending over, two days, Michael Markey was fonnd "Not guilty" of sheep stealing, the Jury being of opinion that the accused altered brands and cut ears without felonions intent. Markey will be tried on Monday on a second charge of a similar nature.