WELLINGTON NEWS

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 102, 9 May 1901, Page 2

WELLINGTON NEWS

SUPREME COURT. s [By Telegraph—Press Association.] ‘ Wellington, last night. i Tho Chief Justice at the Supreme 1 Court sentenced Ngahina Matu lo throe years’ imprisonment for breaking and entering, and John Grigge for rape to ten i ■years’ penal servitude. ALLEGED CRIMINAL LIBEL. At tho Supreme Court to-day Thomas ; H. Mabian appeared to answer an indict- j incut of criminal libel. Ho pleaded not i guilty, and said that he wished to conduct | bis own ease. Tho Chief Justice remarked that he had grave doubts whether or not the ease could be proceeded with, but thought that it would not affect the civil liability if there was any decision by the Judge in New Zealand delivered. After argument that an indictment for criminal libel would be in view of the change which had taken place in the law since 1893, accused on His Honor's suggestion raised an objection that the indictment did not show any offence. Sir Robert Stout then ruled in support of this objection, but reserved the point for the Court of Appeal. Accused was discharged subject to any order that tho higher Court may make. FALSE PRETENCES. George Ross was found guilty of false pretences, and remanded for sentence. SIR JAMES PItEN DERG AST. Sir James Prendcrgast leaves by the Sonoma for London to attend a conference on the subject of setting up ail Imperial Court of Appeal. The Commonwealth has appointed a delegate, but the name is not mentioned in tho communications received in New Zealand. MAORI CENSUS. The return for the Maori population of the colony, as shown by the late census, is now complete. It shows the native population of the North Island to bo 40,(Hi, an increase of Soil, and the South Island 2028, a decrease of 290, Chathams 212, an increase of 12. The total increase is 5228. GOVERNOR AND LIEUT. HUGHES. Tho Governor to-day informed Lieut. T. B. Hughes, late of Colonel Brabant’s Horse, that it was contrary to agreement existing between Nsw Zealand and Im- , pcrial authorities that there should be any enlistment of troops in tho colony by any [ private individuals. Lord ltanfurly , further expressed tho opinion that any : such practice would be illegal, and it . would not bo tolerated by the Govern- . ment. ROYAL RECEPTION, i There has for some time past been con- ! siderable agitation among shopkeepers in ■ Cuba-street in consequence of the Govcr- •’ nor having so restricted the route of tho ) Royal procession as to leave that tho--1 roughfaro out. A protest on the subject ■ was sent to His Excellency, who states that should the Reception Committee desire it Cuba-street will be included in the route. MAYORAL INSTALLATIONS. Mr J. G. W. Aitken was to-day re-in-stalled Mayor of Wellington, and Mr G’. : Frost Mayor of Melrose.