LATE NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 427, 28 May 1902, Page 2

LATE NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

(Per Press Association. f WELLINGTON, last night. The S.M. to-day gave judgment in favor of cite Colonial Secretary for £135 and £BG, amount of clams against Douglas Bros., for grass seed supplied to defendants after the bush fires of 1898.

At the inquest concerning the death of Michael Brown, the jury returned a verdict of accidental drowning, adding rider commending O’Brien, a seaman on the Anglo-Canadian, who went to the assistance of deceased. O’Brien, who already holds Royal Humane Society’s medals, showed very great bravery in tlie rescue of his ship-mate. Tlie Management Committee of the New Zealand Rugby Union to-night-considered a letter from the New South Wales Union, relative to the visit of an English team in 1901, asking if the New Zealand Union would join New South Wales in sharing the risk, or failing that, would New Zealand lie prepared to offer a set number of matches in tiiis colony. It was decided that New South Wales be asked to supply full information as to the cost of tlie round tour, and what number of matches it is proposed to play under the first suggested arrangement, and what amount would lie required to ensure tlie team touring New Zealand.

HOKITIKA, last night. Justice Denniston, as President of the Compensation Court under the Land for Settlement Act, 1900, lias fixed Friday, June 20th, for the first sitting of the Court at the Supreme Courthouse. I-lokitika, in connection with tlie resumption or compulsory taking of Diedrich's estate, containing about 5000 acres, in Hokit ka Valley, near Hokitika, for close settlement. Dr. Findlay, of Wellington, appears for tlie Crown, and Mr 'l'. W. JBeare, of Hokitika, for the owner of tlie land. A meeting of citizens is to be held to-morrow- to see what steps should be taken to celebrate Coronation Day. DUNEDIN, last night. Tlie Coronation Committee to-day adopted the programme of the subcommittees for Coronation Day, with slight modifications. It was decided to ask the City- Council and suburban boroughs for £IOOO raised pro rata on Hie rateable value. Bonfires were abandoned in favor of displays of rockets and fireworks on tlie hills, and a dinner is to be given, to poor children.

Members of the Land Board proceed to Oamaru to-morrow in connection with tlie ballot for Windsor Park estate sections, I

At tlie Supreme Court hearing of the charges against James and Archibald Walker of stealing three'eases of kerosene from the Stores Department of tlie Union Steamship Company, in which they were employed, was not concluded. Justice Williams declined to grant bail, explaining that this rvas not because there was any likelihood of the. men clearing out. He did not wish to state reasons, as they might have an influence in a direction lie did not intend. GREYMOUTH, last night. At a public meeting it was decided to celebrate Coronation Day by having three large bonfires on the hill-tops, a procession of volunteers, fire brigade, friendly societies, citizens, and school children. Thanksgiving services and a grand patriotic concert; will be held im the evening, free of admission. In the afternoon the children will be accorded a treat, all children in tlie district to be invited. It was decided to erect three fountains and a band rotunda. A strong committee was elected to carry out the arrangements. PALMERSTON N., last night.

At a special meeting of the Palmerston North Bow-ling Club to-night it was decided to appoint six delegates to act, and a similar number of delegates from the Feilding Club, to carry out all arrangements for the next champion fours bowling tournament, which will be held on the Green at Palmerston North and Feilding, under the auspices of the Northern Bowling Association.

The Borough Council decided tonight to invite competitive designs in’ all parts of New Zealand for a fountain to be erected as a Coronation memorial.