NEW ZEALAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 363, 13 March 1902, Page 1

NEW ZEALAND.

(Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, last night. News from Fiji states that a petition against federation with New Zealand is being sent round for signature. The Fiji Times states that it is not being largely signed. The address prepared for presentation to the Premier states in part : “ Your quick interpretations of the loyal feelings of the colonies enabled New Zealand’s gallant sons to display their readiness to fight for the honour and integrity of the Umpire. The enthusiasm with which they responded to the call made by your Government for troops, how bravely they acquitted themselves in the stress of war, have become matters of history. The encomiums of the English speaking-people on the manner New Zealand espoused the Empire’s cause was largely due to your foresight and discretion. We wish to convey our thanks for your statesmanlike prosecution of the policy which has our unstinted support and approval.” It has been finally decided to hold a public gathering to farewell the Premier on Wednesday evening opposite the Municipal Buildings. A platform will be erected for the speakers, properly lighted. Subscriptions of one shilling and upwards are being received The subscribers’ names will be printed without the amount being shown, and will be forwarded to Christchurch, and added to the names of subscribers in other parts of the colony. NAPIER, last night. The Hawke’s Bay Woollen Company

expect, to start operations in about three weeks’ time. The machinery iias nearly all arrived, and will be ready to set in motion on arrival of the gas engines. Mr H. P. Cohen has resigned his seat on the Hospital Trustees, owing to his motion to ask the Government to establish a cancer hospital being defeated. Mr Cohen is one of the oldest members of the Board, and was mainly responsible for the Board securing a grant of £SOO from the Government for an operating theatre. WANGANUI, last night. A body was found in the river close to the town bridge this morning, and has been identified as that of William Smith, otherwise known as “ Buffalo Bill.” Deceased was a saddler, a prohibited person, and was lately out of gaol on a charge of drunkenness. The Supreme C ourt is still sitting, being now in its third week. It is now engaged on civil business. The Kev. R. M. Rvburn, Chairman of the Wanganui Presbytery, publicly denied several statements made by the Rev. Thomson, of Scots Church, Wellington, and the latter intends speaking at Wanganui next week in support ol his allegations, every word of which he says he can prove. HAWERA, last night. A little girl three years of age, the daughter of Mr W. Bi ngham, Manaia, was playing with matches yesterday, and her o:othes caught fire. She was severely burnt, and died during the night. A child named Martin, aged three, was thrown from a trap which was being driven by its father, and was killed instantly.

CARTERTON, last night. A mysterious fire occurred here last night, when W. Parker’s large shed, containing a buggy, harness, and other articles was burned. This was the third fire on Mr Parker’s property during the past few months. WELLINGTON, last night. Colonial mails which left Sydney by the Vancouver steamer Miowera on January 29th arrived in London on the Bth inst., three days late. NELSON, last night. At the Supreme Court to-day, before Judge Williams, the only criminal business was the passing of sentence on three lads who pleaded guilty in the lower Court, two for indecent assault, and the other for breaking and entering a store. The last-named offender was admitted to probation, anti the other two, having been thrashed by their parents, were discharged, and ordered to come up for sentence when called upon. The civil business was unimportant. , ~ , DUNEDIN, last night. Williamson’s fellmongery at Burnside was burned to the ground last night. The building, which was of wood, was owned by Mr Marks, and occupied by Mr Wiljamson. The insurances are not available.