NEW ZEALAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 912, 10 June 1903, Page 1

NEW ZEALAND.

Per Press Anaociationj WELLINGTON, last night. The Health Department reports that the smallpox patients at Lyttelton and Dunedin are making excellent progress. No further extension of the outbreak is anticipated. NELSON, last night. A lire at Messrs Gascoyne’s, Hardy street east., last, night destroyed the rear portion of the building, together with the contents, the property of the hoarders. The outbreak originated in the explosion of a small kerosene heater. The building was old and soon burnt out, especially as the wafer supply was inadequate, hut the main front of the buildings was saved. One hoarder lost £22 in a note-book. Among the losers are Messrs Coney, Campbell, Deshicrl, and Stoive (Blenheim,Bank of New Zealand), in whose room the lire occurred, Patterson, Strauchon, Dallast-on (Wellington). Some of the boarders were insured on their clothing and effects ; others were uninsured. The building was insured in the New Zealand Office for £ISOO. There was also an insurance of £SOO on tlie front of flic buildings, which was saved. Considerable damage was also done by water. After the cold spell, a thaw and fog has set in, and it is threatening rain.

CHRISTCHURCH, last night.

The resignation of (he Rev. Doctor Hlmslie from the pastorate of St. Paul’s, Christchurch, to take effect from the appointment of his successor, was received by the. Presbytery (his morning. The Rev. Dr. Erwin was appointed interim Moderator. The Presbytery passed a motion regretting that increasing years rendered the slop necessary on the, part, of Dr. Elmslie, and put on record their appreciation of his long, faithful, and successful labors. They recognised that, during the 27 years he had been in charge of 81. Paul’s he had been eminently successful in advancing the interests of Christianity, aod prayed that he might be spared to enjoy a well-earned rest. Several ministers spoke highly of the work done by Dr. Elmslie for Presbyterianism in Christchurch.

TIMARU, last night. A' sifting of the .Supreme Court opened here this morning, before Mr Justice Williams. The calendar is a small one. There are only live cases. Joseph Thomas Daly, aged 17, was sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment on each of three charges, the sentences to be concurrent for two thefts and forgery. In a case of indecent assault, the Judge •directed the Grand Jury to ignore the bill, as the prosecution was not commenced within one month after the committal of the offence.

INVERCARGILL, last night. Nicholas Nicholas, aged 27, found guilty of horse-stealing, was sentenced to thirteen months’ hard labor. He served a similar sentence ini a like offence at Timaru some years ago. The criminal business has concluded.

Bishop Frodsham, of North Queensland, arrived hv the Victoria, to obtain assistance in New Zealand to rebuild the Anglican Cathedral and churches destroyed by the Townsville cyclone. He left tor Dunedin to-day.