NEW ZEALAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 238, 17 October 1901, Page 1

NEW ZEALAND.

(By Telegraph—Press Association,)

Auckland, last night,

A case is being investigated by the police in which a man is alleged to have impersonated Sergeant Hardham, V.C., of Wellington, the first New Zealand recipient of the Victoria Cross. Hardham is at present in Woodville. The Conciliation Board in the shipwrights’ dispute recommends 47 hours a week, a minimum wage of 10s a day, 10s 6d for copper sheathing, overtime rate time and a quarter 6 to 8, time and a-half 8 to 12. double time 12 to 6 a.m., and travelling expenses to be paid by the employer. Preference is to he given to unionists. Lower rates are provided for aged hands. It is probable that the award will be accepted by both parties. Patea, last night. Mr Heslep intends to contest tho Patea seat. Wellington, last night. Colonel Ponton, in a farewell general order, thanks all members of the New Zealand forces for the cordial support given him while ho held the command. Ho impresses on them the need of maintaining a high state of discipline, perfecting themselves in judging distances, shooting at unknown ranges, and at disappearing and concealed targets, and in doing their work, as far as possible, out of doors. He hopes the progress the forces have evinced during his command may long continue. Nelson, last night. Youths named Walker and Howard pleaded guilty to-day to ten charges of theft in connection with the discovery of their camp by the police last week in a lonely part of the Pclorus. They were admitted to probation for six months, and ordered to pay 30s, the value of the stolen goods consumed and damaged. The recovered property has been restored to the owners. Dunedin, last night. At 11.30 last night, afire was discovered in a lean-to on the reclaimed land occupied by Isaac Walker, well known about the city wharves. The neighbors rushed into the place, and dragged Walker out. He was then insensible, and severely burned about the neck, head. arms, and legs. There was a delay of three-quarters of an hour in securing tho services of a doctor, and when Dr MacPberson arrived he pronounced life extinct. The death was probably due to suffocation. Deceased was 70 years old.