BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

Evening Star, Issue 3540, 27 June 1874, Page 2

BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

Auckland, June 26. The charge of incendiarism at Hotson’s Buildings against the youth Alexander Brown, a son of Samuel Brown, property owner, Shortland street, commenced to-day. The ‘ Herald’ shipping reporter stated that, subsequent to the fire, Brown him to advocate in that paper the granting him a reward for discovering the fire and saving the block. The evidence of the Inspector of Police chiefly related to the contradiction in prisoner’s version of having seen a man do the deed and run away, and the discovery of a portion of a ‘Jewish Chronicle,’ lampwicks, rags, &c., which were identical with other portions of the same articles found in the house of the accused’s father. The case will last several days.

_ June 27. ihe Chamber of Commerce passed a memorial to the General Government, protesting against the pamphlet issued by Dr Featherston, in which Auckland is compared unfavorably with other Provinces.

t xi. _ : . Christchurch, June 26. j < c Provincial Council, Mr Andrews moved lhat the time has arrived when eremation, or burning human bodies, be adopted, on order to prevent the pollution of the ground which results from burying such bodies ; and that a sum be placed on the Estimates for the purpose of establishing the rpost approved systern of cremation.” Sir Cracroft Wilson said he seconded the motion with great pleasure. A short discussion ensued, during which no positive objection was made to cremation ; but a general opinion was expressed that the time had not yet arrived for bringing it into operation. U Itunately the motion was withdrawn.