NEW ZEALAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 327, 30 January 1902, Page 1

NEW ZEALAND.

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) Stratford, last night. Tho man .Joyce, arrested in connection with the death of a settler at Whangamomona after a brawl, has been acquitted, the medioal evidence showing that death was due to natural causes. The Taranaki Rifle Association meeting has been fixed for March 19th and 20th. Wellington, last night. His Excellency the Governor returned this morning from his trip to the Southern Islands. Christchurch, last night. The St. Albans Wesleyan Sunday-school room was totally destroyed by fire at a quarter to three this morning. It is not known how the fire originated. The building was insured in tho New Zealand Office for £6OO, and the furniture for .£125 in the National Office. Dunedin, last night. A fire at Alexandra destroyed Witch’s bakery and two shops owned by J. Rivers. Witch, who lost everything, was insured for £2OO in the London and Lancashire. He estimates his Ices at £3OO above the insurance. Duggan’s jewellery stock was insured for £IOO in the New Zealand. Reid, jeweller, who occupied the second of Rivers’ shops, was insured for £125 in the National.

WELLINGTON, last night. Captain Seddon lias been presented with a handsome revolver, bearing ap inscription that it was presented by his father’s colleagues in the New Zealand Government. The Hon Mr Carroll made the presentation, and complimented the recipient on the manner in which he had already acquitted himself in the field. The I-lons. HallJones, McGowan, Duncan, and Mills also wished Captain Seddon success. The Premier, responding to the toast of his health, said his colleagues in honoring his son, had honored him and he thanked them. He counselled his son and the other officers to be careful in tiie disposition of their men. The attacks of the future would tie surprise ones, and the officers should be careful to see their outposts well placed and to choose the most vigilant for the positions. The horses having been shipped yesterday, 100 members of the Eighth Contingent went aboard the troopship Surrey last night to look after them. The balance of the contingent came to town this morning by,special train, and the whole contingent will be entertained at luncheon by the citizens at at 1 o’clock, when farewell speeches will be given by the Governor, Premier, Mayor, and Commandant. After lunch the men embark, being escorted by local volunteers to the vessel: The Surrey leaves at 4 o’clock for Auckland, where she ships about 160 horses. She is expected to take her final departure from here on Saturday. The weather to-oay is very fine. Large crowds are arriving in town to witness the departure of the contingent, and it being a statutory halfholiday, an immense concourse is expected to bid farewell to the contingenters. Bunting has been hoisted on the shipping and" over many commercial houses. .. Three members of the Contingent were sent out of camp last night *or b r each of regulations. The vacancies will be filled from emergency men for the Seventh. The men will have an hour’s respite after lunch, and the Surrey’s departure has been postponed till 4.30. The Eighth Contingent were entertained at luncheon this afternoon. The Governor was present. The Premier announced that Lieutenant-Colonel Davies had been promoted .to the brevet rank of colonel, and Captain Bartlett to major.