TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

West Coast Times, Issue 7535, 30 October 1889, Page 4

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

[Per Unitbd Pbess a&sooiation.J

INTERPROVINOIAL. Wellington, Oct 29.

Mr J. E. Hume, son of LieutenantColonel Home, Inspccor of Prsons and Volunteers bas been appoiuttd Sub-Lieu-tenant in the Defeuce Depaiiment and will be attached to either the torped 0 corps or the permanent militia. In reply to enquiries, Gap t .in Russell, Minister of Defence states he is uot in possession of full partioubrs of tbe appintment as it was made before he joined tbe Government but it is understood that it WBB in accordance with a long standing promise by Government.

Lady Onslow and family arrived from Nelson this morning and left again for tbe South at 5.30 this evening.

The Omabu murder case began in the Supreme Court to-day. Mr Cotterill for tbe prosecution detailed the circumstances of the crime which were very simple Waatara, the prisoner, first shot at Turanga with a bull-dog revolver, hiding him in tbe back below the right shoulder. He tned to get his horse through the fence wben deceased ran away and he finally rodo after him 'hrough a gap lovter down. He dismounted, chased TuraDga and fired again, the bullet entering above tbe left hip, this thot evidently proved fatal. Th. crime was witnessed by a number of natives including two women, who more courageous than 'he others, ran up and assisted TuraDga in the struggle. The first witness of importance was Dr Menzies, surgeon-superintendent of the Kapier Hospital. After he had given his evidence the Chief Justice .suddenly re membered it had not been interpreted to tbe prisoner and although Mr Dick, for the defence, said it did not matter, Chief Justice Prendergast said it must be done. The questions and answers were accord* ingly interpreted «nd this process will lengthen out tbe trial at least a day.

The hearing of the charge of murder against the native WaataraWi was resumed this afternoon. The formal evidence of G. A. Preece, R,M. of Napier was taken. He said that in his official capacity he took down Taranga's d/iog deposition at Mrs Donnelly's house, prisoner being at the time present in custody. Te Tira Turerao one of tbe ploughmen who ac° companied deceased was next witness and his examination lasted the greater part of the afternoon. His evidence bore oat the remarks of counsel in the opening address. Te Whetu te Wharau eoro xobated the last witness. At 5.30 the Court adjourned until to. morrow morn» ing and the Jury were locked up for the night.

Nbw Plymouth, Oct 29.

Mr Samuel, M.H.R., having been requested by Sir Julius Yogel to obtain for him a couple of gallons of crude petroleum from the Taranaki district for refining purposes, got two men to collect that quantity from drippings which ooze from the soil near the harbor works. Two men collected on Saturday over a gallon between high and low water marks. On removing some of the boulders they found oil in quantities on the top of the water. In some of the gullies seven or eight miles from town aie holea full of petroleum.

Timaeu, Oct 29.

A girl named Thomas, aged 13| years, waa riding in a Cambridge roller along the road at Pleasant Point this morning when she fell off in front, and the roller passed over her. Death was instantaneous. The verdict was desth through accideii' ; the jury acquitted the driver from blame.

Auckland, Oct 29

The balance sheet of the Kauri Timber Company shows a net profit for the year of £63,297. It ia proposed to pay a dividend at the ra f e of 6 per cent per annum and carry £10,000 to the detention and sinking fund, £2500 to tbe reserve and £1511 to preliminary expenses account leaving £4286 to be carried forward.

TherecentdistandmentoftheWaitemati and (Jnehunga corps has not exercised the exemplary effect intended, Local officials are now investigating charges against other naval corps of misconduct at a private luncheon to celebrate the opening of the rowing season, to which they were invited. It is alleged they rushed the tables and emptied cigars, fruit, &c, into thtir jumpers.

Nelson, Oct. 29.

It has been resolved to hold a regatta here on Boxing Day ; and a strong committee has been appointed to carry out the arrangements, The New Zealand Amateur Rowing Champion Pairs is to be rowed at Nelson.

Cheistchtjrch, Oct 22.

At a special meeting of shareholders of the Union Insurance Company to»day it wae unanimously resolved that tbe Company be registered under " The Companies Act, 1882, and " Tbe Fire and Mariße Insurance Companies Ac% 1889," as a company limited by shares, under the name of the Union Fire and Marine In-* aurance Company, Limited.

The Governor reached Otira (foot of famous Gorge) last evening via Lake Brnnner. Tbe weatber, fortunate'y, was then fine, and it seems probable that the journey up the Gorge will be made under favorable circumstance?.