BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

Evening Star, Issue 3864, 13 July 1875, Page 3

BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

■Wellington, July 12. The Criminal Sittings of the Supremo Court were opened to-day by his Honor the Chief Justice. The calender is a light one, being only five cases, viz , charges of rape, perjury, assault, stealing, and obtaining money under false pretences. Frank Murray, for assaulting with intent to rob, was found guilty, but his sentence was deferred. The other cases are not concluded. The Grand Jury made a presentment to the Chief Justice, congratulating him upon his appointment, and expressing a hope that his Honor would bring under the notice of the Government the inadequate provision for the administration of justice in the city. The Wesleyans in this city purpose observing the present week as one of apecialprayer for the promotion of religion in the Colony. Prayer-meetings _ will be held at the various places of worship every evening during the week. This step is being taken in fulfilment of [ a resolution come to at the recent Melbourne Conference.

July 13. In the Supreme Court Denis Wright, formerly a captain in her Majesty's service, was acquitted on a charge of obtaining money under false pvetences. The Wellington Jockey Club intend lengthening the run in on the Hutt Course. They, wi'l advertise the Dorby in a few days. The Orangemen celebrated the 12th July by a dinner last night. ■ Tl?o Lammersragen will [be admitted to pratigue to-day, and the immigrants landed and despatched at once to the West Coast and l'aranaki, where they are mostly destined. j The Collingwood's immigrants are all landed on Som s Island. There are no fresh cases of sickness.

The Northern telegraph wires have been down siuce shortly after six last night. The Ladybird, owing to the rough weather suddenly coming up the harbor bob niijht anchored in Worser's Bay. She sailed south this at eleven o'clock. The Hawea was also detained; she will sail fioin the wharf at 12.20 p.m.

Christchcroh, July 12. The practice of placing stones on the lails of the Oxford Branch Railway has been very prevalent of late. On Saturday the enginedriver saw a boy about twelve years old deliberately place a large stone on the rails as the train was approaching. The driver stopped the train in time, chased and caught the boy, and gave him into custody. The entries for the Midwinter Agricultu-al Show, to be held on Thursday next, are 146, against 170 last year. July 13. The annual Orange dinner last night, to [ commemorate the Battle of the Boync, waj a great success. Brother Clifford, Grand-Master for the Middle Island, presided, and 150 perI eons were pr«*«nt.

The last seotion of the Christchurch and Southbridge branch railway, about fourteen milts in length, was formally opened at noon to-day. A public luncheon was given at Southbridge to commemorate the event, the Superintendent and all the members of the Executive being present. Southbridge is thirtyfour miles from Christchurch. There are now about 180 miles of railway open in this Province.

The Minister of Education, in reply to a deputation yesterday, said the Government had no intention at present of reducing teachers' salaries. Eevival service? are now being held in the various dissenting churches, with very satisfactory results.

Timakd, July 12. A public meeting has been called for nextFriday, to discuss the question of the abolition of the Provinces. It is expected to be interesting, though Mr Stafford is not likely to be present. There was a violent south-west gale last night. The shipping rode through it safely. The curious ecclesiastical case in reference to the removal of the Eev. George Foster is still going on. Canon Wilson is understood to have reported unfavorably of the incumbent, and the Bishop has called upon him to resign the cure or submit to a clerical tribune, with the alternative of having his license cancelled. Mr Foster is likely to appeal to the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Court of Arches.

Alexandba, July 12. There has been a tremendous S.W. gale here to-day. The new public hall is just blown down, and is a complete wreck. This is the second time the same building has come to grief. The workmen were at dinner at the time. Napibb, July 12. A heavy gale is blowing-

Wanganui, July 12. The poor-box in the Catholic Church was broken open on Saturday night, and the contents abstracted. It had been closed since the beginning of the year, and was supposed to contain a considerable sum. The police have suspicions that a seedy-looking individual, who visited Father Kirk on Saturday, was the robber. . The heaviest N.W. gale this season has been experienced to-day.

Hokitika, July 12. Two samples of coal obtained at Bay, which were taken to Wellington by his Honor the Superintendent, have been analysed hy the Government Analyst, who reports that the coal is genuine bitumen, though of rather inferior quality; still, it would prove very useful for general purposes. 'I he samples sent were merely from one crop of the seam. A severe storm was experienced last night, but no damage was done to the shipping.