NEW ZEALAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 411, 9 May 1902, Page 1

NEW ZEALAND.

(Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, last night. Evidence was taken here in the enquiry adjourned from Wellington as to me seaman 'William Plunkett, lost on the voyage of the Kumara from Port Elizabeth to Auckland. Several witnesses deposed to the buoy being thrown over without a patent light. Thomas Watson who was working alongside Plunkett at the time of the accident, said it took about half an hour to get the boat lowered. He went down in the engine room and got the engines stopped. An officer was not on the bridge at the time of the accident. The evidence will be forwarded to Wellington, where a decision will be given. NAPIER, last n-ght. The following resolution was adopted by the National Council of Women last night: “ That in view of the fact that numbers of children in this colony are seriously neglected, for which reason many become a menace to society, this Council suggests that cottage homes should he established in various places for the reception of such children, who should there he maintained until they are qualified for life’s work.” WELLINGTON, last night. An order-in-council, bringing into operation forthwith the compulsory grading of flax intended for export, will be gazetted to-night. WESTPORT, last night. At Lyell a carrier was fined a sibling and costs for driving a waggon and

horses in a public place on Sunday. Operations are in progress towards launching the barque Alexandra, stranded near Brighton some months ago. Sir J. G. Ward visits Westport next week..

The gas sold at the Westport Gas Works last year was G,-171>,800 rubie feet, an increase of 134,710 feet on the previous year. The increase of revenue was £466. No "news has yet been received of the floating of the steamer Nautilus at Karamea.

DUNEDIN, last night.

Mr Justice Williams found for Detective Campbell n the case brought by Mr Barnett Grant for alleged wrongful seizure at the time of the alleged tote-betting raid, His Honor holding the seizure to have been justifiable.

A fire broke out between 5 and 6 last evening on the premises of W. H. Taggart, Musselburg, and resulted in the destruction of a dwelling of six or seven rooms, and portion of a stable close by. There was an insurance in the Royal for £l5O on the building, and £IOO on the furniture. The loss is estimated jab ,£l5O in excess.