NEW ZEALAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 328, 31 January 1902, Page 1

NEW ZEALAND.

(Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, last night. In the Supreme Court, John Savage who pleaded guilty to two charges of arson at Hawera, was sentenced. Accused confessed on the 12th inst. that after a drinking bout he went into a loft of the Empire Hotel, Hawera, and set fire to it. The following morning in setting fire to the draperies. He had no motive. His Honor referred to the crime as a very terrible one, and sentenced accused to four years on each charge, sentences 1o be concurrent He added he would make enquiries as to accused’s sanity. MASTERTON, last night. The inquest on the body of the newly born infant found in a bo'ler fiunace at*McKenzie’s shop was resumed to-day. The girl, Kate Alexander, alleged to be the mother of the child, is still in the hospital. Mr Pownall, counsel for accused, complained that the Rev. A. Wood, Presbyterian minister had interviewed ti e accused girl at the hospital, notwithsta ■ ling the objection of the matron and the fact that the accused was under police surveillance, and alleged that he endeavoured to extract an admission of guilt from the girl. Ine minister states that he went to administer spiritual comfort, at lhe request ■ f the girl’s mother. An enquiry into this matter took place at the Hospital, and lasted three hours, but had no practical result. The inquest is proceeding. lhe jury in the infanticide ease returned an open verd’et. The MagisFebruary '7tli. The accused, Thomas Murcott• and Kate Alexander, were ad mooted to bail. NEW PLYMOUTH, last night, The entries for the solos, trios, and quartettes at the Band Content next March total 190. WELLINGTON, last night. The Premier left for Auckland ties morning, via Taranaki, to be present at the final departure of the Surrey, DUNEDIN, last night. James McCloskey was accidentaby drowned at the Success dredge this morn ng through a boat swamping. The manager also had a narrow evcap'*. . , ~ The Harbor Board has raised *ecretarv Rawson’s salary to £300..