NEW ZEALAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 698, 18 December 1902, Page 1

NEW ZEALAND.

(Per Press Association),

WiIANGAREI, last night

Nellie Forsyth, of Kaiirihohorc, aged 2;>, was found drowned in the Ngunguni river last night. She was last seen at I BO p.m.

AUCKLAND, last night. The Prohibitionists are moving in an effort to unseat Mr Willicford for alleged treating, it is stated that X2OO has been deposited, and is available, hut it. is undecided whether to proceed with the case. The Taviuni, which grounded, on en-

tering port yesterday, is leaking in the fore part, of llie hull. She will he docked for an examination and repairs. Tim mishap is attributed to the strong flood-tide. Henry .William Willocks, on several charges of burglary, described by judge Com illy as a professional house breaker, was sentenced to five yeans' hard labor at the Supreme Court tod ■’ NAPIER, last night.

The Harbor Board have received 3K applications for the position of liarhour master and chief pilot. A final ballot gave the appointment to Captain Lake, of the steamer Penguin. PALMERSTON N., last night.

A petition was presented to the Borough Council last evening by prominent. prohibitionists protesting against a license being granted for :l publican’s booth on the sports.’ ground during the forthcoming English cricket match. The petition was relcrred to the Liecnsing Committee, but the Council dceided to ask for an explanation from the Cricket. Association as to their action in selling privileges without the consent of the Council.

I-lAWERA, last night. As the outcome of the charges against the licensee of the Commercial Hotel for Sunday trading which was dismissed, Gordon Lennox, who procured a bottle of whisky which he said lie required in connection with a veterinary operation, was to-day lined Lo and UJbts WELLJNGTONi ]ast night. The general manager of the National Bam, has received a cable message intimating that the directors luue ucdared an interim dividend ior the half-year at the rate of D) per cent, per annum. Ju reference lo an application unit the Government should employ counsel for returning officers in districts whcie Iho, licensing poll is challenged, the Colonial .Secretary says Cabinet has decided that Magistrates should be lelt tu make enquiries without Government interference of arny kind. CHRISTCHURCH, last night.Judge Denii'iston made a statement in the Supreme Court this morning concerning newspaper attacks and criticisms on a twelve months sentence pronounced by the Court at last session, on a man charged with committing incest on his daughter. IBs Honor said accused was indicted lor incest, but the jury acquitted bun ol this charge and of attempt to commit it and convicted him on the second tjunt of the indictment, namely, indecent assault, That, could only mean that the jury disbelieved or doubted much of the girl’s evidence in com-'c-ting of the minor oftcncc, the .any ntided a recommendation to mercy, confirming by tins opinion their disbelief in the story of the girl m its ui tirctv The only reasonable micrentc of .such a verdict was that the jury were not (satisfied oL more than that accused, coming home very drunk,, behaved indecently to the girl. the finding of the jury and the action of the Court thereon were, of course open lo the fullest criticism, though it might well be 'thought that the opinions of the jury and the .nidge who heard and saw the witnesses were entitle! to some consideration, but it was reasonable to expect the fact to be briefly slated. .Whatever might be bis shortcomings, lie was not conscious in discharging the onerous duty of apportioning punishment to came oi being either careless or callous. 1,, the Magistrate’s Court, tins morning William R. J. Birmingham Was committed for trial on nine charges o stealing, a silver watch, pair of held classes'! leather bag, and other articles of the total value of LI7 10s, m Soutn Africa aikl on the troopship Orient, from members of „thc Ninth Contingent. Bail was allowed, accused in £SO and one surety oi LIU. INVERCARGILL, last night, single woman named Mary hitztniuiricc, aged 20, is reported to have died under (suspicious circumstances at Riverton. An inquest was adjourned till 29th to allow of a post mortem. a man named McKenzie was drowned ill Otapiri river yesterday. WESTPORT, last night. H Taylor’s new nine-roomed house was totally destroyed by tire with a 1 its contents. The Insurances are LJob, the loss above that being estimated at £ISOO. The origin oi the lire is not known.