NEW ZEALAND.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 2, Issue 317, 12 April 1881, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND.

[PER press association.] Libelling a Lawyer. Auckland, Yesterday. At the Police Court to-day, Mr W. L. Rees, solicitor, Gisborne, formerly M.H.R. for City Bast, commenced a series of criminal prosecutions for libel against J. D. Wickham, of the Free Lance. The defendant asked for an adjournment, which was granted till Thursday. 1 *

South British Insurance Company.

The half-yearly meeting of the South British Insurance Company was held today. The report showed the income from fire and marine premiums to be L 65,872 ; from interest and transfer fees, L 5,185 ; total, L 71,057 ; which, added to L 11.971 brought forward from the previous halfyear, makes a total of L 83,029. The total expenditure has been —Fire and marine losses paid outstanding at close of books, L 32,830 ; re-insurance, L14 : 288 ; agents, commissioners salaries, and rents, L 13,461 ; advertising, printing, and stationery, L 794 ; Underwriters’ Association and Fire Brigades, L 597 ; Government licenses, L 424; making a total of L 62,396, with L 5,000 dividend paid, L 69,396 ; leaving a balance of L 15,633 at credit of profit and loss account, from which the directors recommend the pay ment of a dividend of 10 per cent. Things Dramatic. Wellington, Yesterday.

The theatrical company to support Mr Carden, arrived yesterday, a portion from Auckland and the others by the Wakatipu, from Sydney. They proceed South to-day. Mr De Lias’ Dramatic Company opens here on Saturday next.

Moritzson’s Case. Dunedin, To-day. Moritzson's case is fixed for the 20th inst. Death from Apoplexy. A man named John Mouatt, a laborer, was found dead jin his bed, supposed to be from apoplexy. A Solitary One. There is likely to be only one civil case this session. Sheep Stealing. Joseph Gard was convicted of sheep stealing. Mr Stout moves an arrest of judgment, on the ground of improper admission of certain statements.