INTERPROVINCIAL.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume VII, Issue 678, 12 January 1883, Page 2

INTERPROVINCIAL.

(Prom our own Correspondent.) BIG NUGGETS. Chbistchurch, January 11. At Dunedin, some Chinese have found 17 and 18 ounce nuggets, but refuse to disclose the locality, GERMAN VISITORS. The German Consul intimates that Dr. Enul Rubuc and Dr. Bassettintend visiting this Colony for scientific purposes, on behalf of the German Government. NO FRESH VINES. Under section 167 of "The Customs Laws Consolidation Act" of 1882. an Order in Council lias been signed prohibiting the importation into New Zealand ofgrape vines, or grape vine cuttings, and grapes. THE MAORI KING. Tawhiao arrived this morning at Wanganui. A great meeting for welcoming him is being held at the Putiki Pah, at which about 400 Natives are present. LEAVING LYTrELTON. Mr Dauthreau, an old resident in Lyttelton, left to-day to settle in the North Island. THE MASSEY CASE. In the Masseys' case, Mr Stout prosecutes and Mr Fitchett defends. Mr and Mrs Massey have been charged jointly with stealing waterworks debentures. Mr Stout opened the caee at great length. He said that bonds were prepared in duplicate for exchange, and handed to Massey, the then Town Clerk, who retained them. After Maesey left the Corporation's employ, the book refering to the waterworks debentures could not be found, and when Masaey was written to, he replied that he had kept no books. After his arrest this book was found at his house. The duplicate bonds were sold by Mrs Massey in Melbourne. To show that her husband was aware of her action, the learned counsel read memorandums of the sale results, taken from Massey's pocket book, found on him when arrested. The case for the prosecution was this. That Massey obtained the bonds ready for exchange ; that he left the Town C erk's office without delivering them up to Mr Gibson; and that these bonds, which were intended for eAchd>:ge, were afterwards sold in Melbourne by Mrs Massey with his knowledge, and tliat he reaped the reward of her sales. The case is exciting great interest in Dunedin. Massey'a pocket book, which was produced, contained entries of all the sales, and the names assumed by Mrs Massey when disposing of them. It is expected that the defence will be a purely legal one. [press association telegrams.] Auckland, January 10. In the Hamilton alleged murder case the defence was reserved. Both prisoners were committed for trial at the next sessions of the Supremo Court. At the New Zealand Insurance Company's half-yearly meeting to-day, the report shows that new premiums, less reinsurances, amount to £91,159, being an increase of £12,595 over the corresponding half year of 1881. Trie past six months have been very disastrous to underwriting interests in all parts of the world, and this company has not been fortunate enough to escape heavy losses botti in the fire and marine lines. After making a full estimate for the claims that had arisen prior to the 30th November, there remains to the credit of profit and loss a balance of £19,487. It is proposed to pay a dividend of 3s per share, absorbing £15,000, and leaving £4487 to be carried forward to next year. The total income for the half-year, including £21,584, balance from the lasthilf-year, wa5£126,761. The fire and marine losses and appropriation for unpaid losses amounted to £79,248. The report was adopted. Wanganui, Januery 10. Tawhaio, with nearly two hundred King Natives, and accompanied by Topia, the great Taupo chief, reached Upokonparua, seven miles from here, this morning. The whole party is expected in Wanganui, tomorrow. The Natives in this district have made great preparation, and are very en thusiastic. No preparations or reception have been arranged by the Europeans. Wellington, January 10. The New Zealand Electric Light Company has purchased from Sir Julius Vogel the rights for the colony of the Australian Electric Light Company (Limited). All arrangements in connection with the purchase have been settled, the first deposit has been paid, and as sufficient shares have been privately subscribed for, it is not intended to offer any shares to the public until the business is more established. A fatal accident occured at Day's Bay on Monday. It appears that Geo.Frethey, a farmer of Lower Hutt, proceeded to the bay with a horse and cart, for the purpose of cutting some undergrowth. He took with him a pistol and gun, in case he should como upon wild pigs. Frethey not returning that night, search was instituted, the result being that the horse and dray were found, but no sign of the missing man. Next day, however, he was found lying on hie back with a bullet hole thiough the top of his head. It is thought that in going through the bush the pistol went off accidentally, the bullet entering his forehead. Frethey was a young man, single, and had his lifo insured for £200 in the Government office. At the inquest a verdict of accidental death was returned. A largely attended meeting of influential citizens was held in the Council Chambers this afternoon for the purpose of completing arrangements for the recep* tion of Sir Wen. Jervois. The matter has been taken up with great enthusiasm, and efforts are being made to render it one of the most successful receptions that has yet been witnessed hero. On the arrival of the Wakatipu she will be convoyed up the harbor by the yachting fleet of Wellington. As his Excellency leaves vessel he will be met by the Mayor and City Council and representatives of other bodies, who will present addresses of welcome. Two triumphal arche3 will be erecled, one at the shore end of the wharf and the other at the entrance of Government House grounds. It is expected that the whole of the Friendly Societies, Volunteer Companies, Fire Brigades, and Salvage Corps will take part in the procession. During the day the school children will, if the masters can possibly arrange it, also taka part in the proceedings. In the evening there will be a torchlight procession through tho town.