NEW ZEALAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 700, 20 December 1902, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND.

(Per Press Association), AUCKLAND, last night. 'l'lie weather promises to he line for tho match with the English cricketer, which commences at. two o chick tins afternoon. The steamer Tavumi was examined hy Mr McGregor, Government Inspector of machinery. The damage done to the hull by striking a rock in Hat gitoto channel is not very scrums The steamer will undergo repairs in dock. The Arbitration Court heard legal argument in the clothing trade dispute in reference to the power of the Court to adopt the southern award which was opposed by Auckland linns, chiefly on Hie ground that an industrial agreement already existed here binding certain linns. The Court reserved its decision on this point until Monday. WELLINGTON, last night-. John Joseph Murphy, charged with indecent, assault on a little giri resolved bis defence, and was committed for trialThe enquiry into flic validity or flic Newtown local ohtion poll, which is being petitioned against,, was called oil this morning, and adjourned until the end of January. Messrs Bell and At kinsun appeared on behalf of certain electors to oppose the petition, aind the Magistrate said he did not intend to put any obstacle in the way of any counsel appearing at the enquiry. At the wool sales to-day there was an advance of a, farthing to a halfpenny on (lie Novemlier sales rates. The catalogue comprises 2250 bales, chiefly, course wools. Tho Wellington portion of the money collected for the Premier's National Purse is to he used in the purchase of a casket, to he presented to Mr Weddon on Monday. In consequence of large numbers ot infectious diseases cases (scarlet fever and measles) the Hospital accommodation and temporary hospital, erected at the time of the plague scare, aie overtaxed. The Health Department to meet flic crisis, to-day decided to erect, a hospital camp a£ horliamporc, where cases - will receive treatment. It is expected that the tents will lie ready for occupation in two or three days'. HOKITIKA, last night. At, the District, Court, before Judge Ward, Refer Jones, Patrick Campbell. William Edward Barrow, and Robert Davis were charged with escaping from custody, and the two hitter also with theft They pleaded guilty, and were sentenced, Jones and Campbell to three moil fits, Harrow and Davis to four months. Prisoners complained bitterly of the treatment received in the gaol lieforc and after the offence. Judge Ward stated he would advise the Mik stei: of .Justice to hold an enquiry into their statements, and if corroborated he would recommend a mitigation of the sentence. THAMES, last night. Schools of black-fish, a species of whaio, have been seen in the Hauraki Gulf. Tho same fishermen report an exciting experience. No mishaps occurred.