SOUTHERN NEWS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVII, Issue 277, 27 November 1906, Page 3

SOUTHERN NEWS.

Uiy Telegrapa.—l'ress Association.) ALLEGED DEFAMATION. "WESTPORT. Monday. In the course of a- lengthy judgment refusing the application of Captain Furneaux, harbourmaster at Westport, for permission to take criminal proceedings against F. F. Munro for alleged defamaMr. Kenrick, S.M., said he was of opinion that the evidence given did not prove that Munro used any words in his speech likely to injure Captain Furneaux's reputation or injure him in his profession; that any words used applied to the administration by the Board, and not to Captain Furneaux. RAIX IN CANTERBURY. CHRISTCHURCH, this day. Rain began to fall in Christehurch about nine o'clock to-day, and still continues. Reports from the north of MidCanterbury are that rain is very general. It will do an immense amount -*>f good, as pastures had suffered from north-west winds and dry weather. 1 ■ FORGING AND UTTERING. CHEISTCHUROH, Monday. In the Supreme Court to-day, James Charming Bagnall was brought up for sentence. He had pleaded guilty in the ' lower Court to a charge of forgery and uttering. His Honor (Mr. Justice Denniston) said that accused apparently belonged to a respectable class, but that he had been reduced by drinking to a state in which he was not fit to be at large. 'His record was one of almost continual residence .in gaol since 1888. He would remand the accused till the next sessions of the Supreme Court, in February; and if in the meantime the Habitual Criminals Act came into force he : .would- be treated under i its provisions, and would be probably permitted to go to England. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. DUNEDEST, Monday. A man named Wm. Booth was committed for trial to-day on a charge of stealing a gold chain and pendant from another man who had '"shouted" for Booth and his mate. It was alleged, that they sought to entice him into the back streets, then endeavoured to induce the man to "shoiit" them supper, and on his declining Booth is alleged to have snatched at the watch and chain, ting away with the' latter. MASTERTON, Monday. At the inquest on . William Martin, Who was found dead on his premises on Sunday morning, the jury returned a verdict that deceased came by his death by asphyxia while in an> intoxicated state. t . WELLINGTON, Monday. S The body of Francis McAleer, who has been missing since the. 13th inst., was. found floating in, the harbour this evening. • ' : WANGANTJI, Monday. At the Court to-day a baker named Cutelli was fined £10, and an employee named Hope was also fined for falsifying books to make it appear that Hope was receiving the award wage, £2 10/, whereas he was receiving only £ 2. 5/ per , week. • Various other' tradesmen.were fined different amounts for breaches of awards. ; ,