NEW ZEALAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 85, 19 April 1901, Page 1

NEW ZEALAND.

By Telegraph—Press Association.

Auckland, last night. Mr Laughlin O’Brien, late Judge of the Native Land Court, died-on Tuesday. He came to the colony in 1812, and was appointed Judge in. 1880, retiring two years ago. The Auckland Federal Contingent, numbering twelve, under SergeantMajor Roffes, left for Christchurch by the Ngapuhi yesterday. Joseph Strong, a farmer of Papakura, committed suicide on his farm on Tuesday by blowing his head off with a gun. He had been peculiar of late.

Napier, last night. Edward Weaver, the victim of the railway-crossing accident yesterday, died at the hospital last night. An inquest was opened to-day, but was adjourned. Palmerston North, last night. At the unfurling of the flag at the school at Palmerston North, the Premier, who was well received, referred to the bravery of the New Zealanders in the Transvaal. Referring to the Duke of York’s visit, he said immediately on their arrival in the colony a signal would be given, and all schools would hoist their flags as a token of welcome and devotion to the throne.

_ Greymouth, last night. The Fire Brigade engine was unable to get across the Grey river till midday to-day. The Blackball fire is still confined to the board where it originated. There are hopes that it will be extinguished to-night. Wellington, last night. The Queen’s statue fund stands at over £ISOO.

In the course of a review on the work of Victoria University College, the Chairman, Sir Robert Stout, stated that the result so far had been extremely satisfactory, and showed plainly that the College had already attained a good position in the colony. A steerage passenger on the Rotomahana named William Scott developed insanity on the voyage from Lyttelton. He secured himself in a cabin, and threatened Garrett, one of the under-stewards, who went to the door. . Garrett pluckily forced the door, seized Scott, and took from him a loaded six-chambered revolver, which he was flourishing. Scott, who, it is understood, was on his way to England by the Whakatano, has been committed to an asylum, Mr Wm. Johnson, who has kept watch and ward over the city from the firebell tower for twenty-four years, and who has now retired owing to the inauguration of a new system of fire alarms, was presented last night with a cheque for £lll, collected by members of the Eire Brigade.

New Plymouth, last night. The Royal Coal Commissioners, who have been inspecting the Mokau coal measures, are weather - bound at Tongaporutu, where a flood prevents them crossing the river. It is uncertain when they will bo able to get away.

Dunedin, last night. The Education Board has approved of children throughout Otago being given an opportunity of presenting souvenirs to the Duchess of Cornwall, and the matter was remitted to the Board’s Committee dealing with the Royal visit. The Board further resolved not to accede to the request to suspend the inspectors’ examinations to facilitate the children’s demonstration being proceeded with. Dunedin sales: Buffer Junction, 9s; Electric Extended, 38s Gd ; EourteenMilo Beach, 325, 32s 3d; Golden Link, 19s.

A cable has been received stating that Mr A. Thomson, of this city, has been appointed President of the United Commercial Travellers’ Association of Australasia, and has been invited by the Victorian Government to attend the Commonwealth celebrations at Melbourne on May 6th. Christchurch, last night. The Governor left this morning for Dunedin. He thence goes to Bluff, where he joins the Hinemoa and returns to Wellington via Kesolution Island. On the journey he will obtain more specimens of New Zealand birds for the British Museum. An old man named Thomas Jarvis By an was sentenced to sis months’ imprisonment this morning by Judge Denniston .for stealing a bicycle. Bertie Tofts got 18 months for stealing two horses, a saddle and bridle. Victor Simmons and William Matheson, Burnham boys, received sentences of 12 months each for breaking into and entering the Burnham railway station, stealing tickets, etc.