NEW ZEALAND

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 2, Issue 319, 14 April 1881, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND

[per press association.] Broke Her Back. Auckland, To-day. The coasting steamer Annie Milbank, struck a rock in Purau Bay, and is making water fast. It is said the steamer’s back is broken. She is insured in the South British for L 1,500, LI,OOO of which is reinsured as follows :—National, L 250 ; Victoria, L 250 ; New Zealand, LSOO. The Rees Libel Case. In the Police Court, to-day, the prosecution by Mr. W. L. Rees, against Mr Wickham, of the Free Lance , for libel, was proceeded with. Mr G. M. Reed, is the principal witness for the prosecution. He deponed that he was the agent of the Belfast immigrants referred to in the article, and Mr Rees had never been guilty of the conduct imputed to him in the article. With respect to those immigrants, he denied that Mr Rees had attempted to swindle the immigrants, or had failed in his promises to them, or that the Judges had reflected on Mr Rees. They had complimented him, and the natives had given him (Mr Reed) assurances that Mr Rees was carrying out their wishes, Wickham has been committed for trial.

An Unexpected Verdict. At the inquest re the fire which destroyed Ireland Bros. Tannery, a verdict was returned that the place was wilfully set fire to by some person or persons unknown. The verdict created some surprise. Mr G. Ireland, the resident proprietor, and Roger Kay, the manager of the works, both swore that in their opinion the fire was accidental. Going to Withdraw. Mr Mills, on behalf of the Union Company, has sold the steamer Wellington to Captain M'Gregor, owner of various Auckland steamers, and agreed to withdraw from opposing him in the Russell, Tauranga, Wangarei, and Bay of Islands trade, except with such steamers as go to coal. Arrested. Bowman, the engineer, who attempted suicide, by taking laudanum, has been arrested on a charge of attempting suicide. Looking Up. Gkahamstown, To-dayl Mining prospects here have materially improved during the past few days. The Alburnia cut, a new golden reef, which likewise: runs through the Whan. The former company are likewise on a small leader, which it is believed will load to a rich patch. The Golden Calf is seeing gold daily. Homeward Bound. Dunedin, To-day Sailed—Oamaru, for London, with 11 p.asiengers and a full cargo.