TELEGRAMS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 1999, 7 February 1907, Page 3

TELEGRAMS.

Press Association. WELL IN Ct TO N, yostenl ay. George Frederick Sunderland, convicted of false pretences, applied at the Supreme Court to-day to lie admitted to probation. 'lhc Crown Prosecutor said there were other charges pending, but whether this should prejudice the prisoner's application lie could not say. Mr Justice Cooper said the probation officer's enquiries had been satisfactory, and but for pending charges ho would have recommended probation. Having regard to the recommendation of the jury and the whole circumstances of the ease. His Honor thought he was justified in not' taking into consideration tiie other charges against prisoner and admitted him to probation, pointing out, however, that it' he were convicted of the charges now pending he was liable to he brought up for sentence on the charge of which he had just been found guilty. Sunderland was re-arrested as lie left the Court. The Minister for Labor lias had enquiries made by officers of the Departments as to allegations made by the Wellington Post that child slavery existed on dairy farms in some districts of the North Island. The Post states to-night that the reports sent' in to the Minister shows that the allegations were justified, but the Minister is waiting until he receives reports from the whole of (lie districts before going fully into the matter, with a view to seeing if any legislation shall bo introduced to deal witli tile evil. At to-day’s sitting of the School Inspectors’ Conference, a committee was set up to report upon suggested amendments to regulations for the inspection and examination of schools Committees were also appointed to deal with the training and education of pupil teachers, and with matters relating to secondary education. The Conference has gone into committee to further consider the question of admission to free places at secondary schools.

CHRISTCHURCH, yesterday. Last evening a man named Timothy Mellor. aged GO, in the employ of the Kaiapoi Shipping Company, was jammed between two trucks while unloading. He died from the effects of his injuries. Ilush and grass fires, more or loss extensive, are still reported from the country, more particularly from Oxford district, where the bush is still burning briskly. DUNEDIN, yesterday. Mr Peter Barr has been appointed Dunedin correspondent for the Intelligence Department of flic Board of Trade. AUCKLAND, yesterday. The damage to the hull of the schooner Greyhound is about £SO. The cargo is much damaged by water. HASTINGS, yesterday. One hundred and twenty-one applications for seventy-two sections have been received for the Mangatahi settlement, hailing from all parts of the colony. The applicants were examined as to their financial position and qualifications this morning, and a ballot will take place on Saturday. The estate has been visited by live hundred people since it was open for inspection. MANGAWE KA, yesterday. Richard Brown, employed at the Government gravel pit, was killed on the railway line near Ohingaiti last night. Deceased was apparently lying between the rails when ho was struck by the engine of the evening mail train. PAHIATUA, yesterday. Messrs. Cooper and Matheson, representating the Farmers’ Union, addressed a meeting hero on the Land Bill from the freeholders’ standpoint. They declared the Minister to he a freeholder who had changed round. Mr. Cooper contended that the late Mr. Rolleston’s was the best land legislation ever introduced into the colony, because it gave land on easy terms, and enabled settlers to acquire the freehold. Lease-in-perpetuity, ho said, was a bad tenure for the poor man, but Mr. McNab’s G 6 years’ lease was infinitely worse. Other proposals in tho Land Bill were dealt with by Mr. Cooper and strongly opposed. Mr. Matheson detailed his experiences as a member of the Land Commission, contending that the consensus of feeling in the country was for the freehold. He twitted the Minister for Lands with changing his opinions on the land question. A motion of thanks to the speakers, and in fovor of Crown tenants being given the option of the freehold was carried. To-day is People s Day at the Feilding Show. The entries of horses, cattle, sheep and pigs arc all firstclass. There are 1200 sheep, it being the largest sheep show in New Zealand. The maiden hunters’ competition was won by Hayward’s Ned Kelly, Banks’ Lubra second. In dairy cattle, Lancaster’s Eileen 111. was the best cow in the sho\v, the judge remarking that she would take the championship anywhere. Lancaster, with nine entries, took seven firsts and two seconds. S. Standen was a successful exhibitor in Ayrshires. In slieep the stud entries are excellent, but the farmers classes are only fair. Fats are very good. The Hon. J. Bryce secured most points for fat sheep, also for fat lambs, in pure-bred Romneys J. Knight secured most prizes; W. Baker the best Southdown ew'e, any age. Slack Bros, took most prizes for Border Leicesters, vv. Gadsby most for Lincolns, and J. It. Corngan most for Shropshires. lor crossbred wool, >V. G. Pearce won first prize. In pigs most prizes went to Slack Bros. There were poor exhibits of home industries. WELLINGTON, yesterdav. The High Commissioner lias cabled to the Acting-Premier that in conjunction with Hertford County Assylum Committe he prosecuted several Smithfield salesmen for applying New Zealand labels and tags to River Plate mutton to fill a contract with the Asylum. Defendants were fined £5, and the costs amounted to £ At the annual meeting of. the Chamber of Commerce to-day, the President, Mr. G. fehirtchffe, sa.d the question of preferential trade within the Empire was still in the air, though little or no actual piogress appeared to have been made. The total import and export trade of the colony for l ( J0o amounted to twenty-eight millions, of who seventy per cent, was done w itn Great Britain, nineteen and a half per cent., with other British possessions and seven and a half with the United States, leaving only three per cent, of tlio total to foreign nations He expressed the opinion that • would bq_ to the advantage of the colony to offer Britain a reasonable measure of genuine preference, inespectivo of any return the Impel lal authorities might or might not be able to make. Regarding our exports, the fact should not bo lost sight of that the increase was very largely a price, and not a quantity increase, ami that so far as con hi be iuclKeil continuance of gooil lnncf- in tlio, colony during the next tow >-ea»s depended to a. very great extent upon P tlic maintenance of values rather than on any substantial increase in the volume of exports that might be expected. Traders should bear in mind that the present abnormal v r,.e excellent. . Everything pointed to the colony being m n highly pros reruns condition, and the onlv dan ger ahead that one could foresee wa. that such good times might lead to an extravagant standard of living, and over-speculation 011P “„td°t t fillers and others, which have disastrous effects . Referring to the trade of Wellington, lie said that during the. last tour years it had increased by 45 per cent.. Lyttelton by 21, Auckland by 19, and Dunedih by J 5 per cent.

SUPREME COURT. AUCKLAND, last night'. At the Supremo Court crinuna. sessions to-day Thos. Crosby ant. Patrick Crosby were each sentenced to one month’s imprisonment tor assaulting John O’Shea at .Hamilton so as to cause him actual bodily harm, las Ross, charged with committing rn-riurv at a coroner’s inquest, was found not guilty and discharged. WELLINGTON, last night. At the Supreme Court to-day h rancis Baucke, charged with discharging a revolver at Frank and Herbert Baucke, was found guilty of common assault. Sentence was deferred. Ah William Condon, aged about 19, was acquitted on a charge of having indecently assaulted a girl aged 17. r J here is a second and similar mdictJ be heard against accused in Regard to the girl’s sister. James Bryan, for having forged a receipt for a money-order telegram and receipt/ for money, was sentenced to throe months’ imprisonment. THE CROPiINVERCAROILL, last night. Reports from the surrounding district P stato that crops are looking remarkably well, cutting having been begun hero and there,

A BATHER’S TR AGIC DEATH. DUNEDIN, last, night. At the inquest' oil W. H. Hutcheson, who was attacked by a shark at Moornki, a verdict of death from tlio effects of a bite of a shark while Imthiiig was returned. The oyidcuco showed that he was standing in the water up to Ilia chest, and his son was diving from his shoulders, when he was attacked by the shark. The calf of tlio right log was torn completely away. Ho managed to partly swim and was assisted ashore, which lie reached in a dying condition, and expired almost immediately, although his wife rendered first aid. The bay is infested with sharks.

WOOL FIRES COMMISSION. WELLINGTON, last night. Tlio Wool Fires Commission to-day took the evidence of Capt. Forsdiek, of tlio steamer Orari, who was master of the Waiinate when two separate fires broke out in the cargo of that vessel. One fire, he said, broke out among the flax and tow. That was not near any wool. When tlio fire was put down the hold heating was evident in a very short time, fn the second fire five bales were burned. This wool had boon shipped •it Lyttelton. Olio halo when hoisted on deck burst into flames. MR. j. c.”wit7liamson. WELLINGTON, last night. Mr J. C. Williamson, the wellknown theatrical entrepenour, arrived from Sydney to-day on a holiday visit to Nov.' Zealand. Ho was accorded a Mayoral reception this afternoon at the Town Hail.

SECRET COMMISSIONS. WELLINGTON, last night. Referring to the presentment of the grand jury with reference to secret commissions, the Attorney-General says that if on further enquiry tlio presentment is justified he sees no reason why the English Prevent ion of Corruption .Vet, or something on the lines of that measure, should not be passed in New Zealand. The presentment' made by the grand jury yesterday ill regard to the practice of granting private discounts to officers of public bodies was referred to at to-day’s meeting of tlio Chamber of Commerce. Mr D. W. Nathan said it was a great pity that the names of tlio firm concerned in tlio jury’s reference were not given. The Chamber should follow this thing up, and see that the legislation necessary to check it was passed. A resolution ,va- passed directing the Council of Chamber to consider tlio matter, and make representations to the Government.

The Attorney-General, in an interview to-day, said the secret commission system was dishonest and demoralising. The Preventing of Corruption Act recently passed in Britain aimed at just such offences as the Wellington grand jury had protested against, and if the inquiry proved their presentment to be justified lie would advocate adoption of the measure in this colony on tlio same lines as that Act.

“SCORCHERS.” INVERCARGILL, last night, Riders in the Invercargill-Hedge-hope cycle road race were warned by tho police before starting to-day that they would be prosecuted it' they “scorched.” All started. However, the road was blocked by mounted constables further on, and some competitors were stopped. Others went on. Prosecutions will probably follow. NATIVE LANDS. WELLINGTON, last niglit. His Honor the Chief Justice, chairman of the Native Lauds Commission leaves for Napier in a few days to make some preliminary investigations concerning native lands in Hawke’s Bay. WELCOME RAIN. ASHBURTON, last night. Welcome rain began to fall about three o’clock this afternoon, and there is every appearance of it continuing. Reports from country districts state that rain lias also fallen there. THE SONOMA. AUCKLAND, last night. Tiie steamer Sonoma arrived from Sydney shortly after 6 p.m., and was berthed at tho wharf about 8. It was anticipated that there would be trouble owing to her having a nonunion crew on board. The wharf was barricaded off, and police were on duty . A large crowd assembled, but the" local lumpers having agreed to wo.rk tho steamer, no demonstration was made. No one was allowed on board the steamer except by .special pass, and none of the crew, outsido the officers, were allowed ashore. On the passage! across the crew worked as well as possible, but are said to be on the “green” side. The Sonoma is expected to leave early tomorrow morning.

UNIONISTS’ DEMAND. WELLINGTON, last night. A union deputation to-night protested to the Minister of Labor against the appointment of four scatfolding inspectors,on the ground that they were not qualified, and three of them were non-unionists. Tiie Minister'defended the inspectors’ qualifications, and said Government was the trustee for the people as a whole, and no Government could ever bo committed to a policy that unionists alone should receive employment from it. All things being equal a unionist would get preference if the Minister knew him to be a unionist, but no applicant would be asked whether he was a unionist or not. He would not lie dictated to by any outside organisation. If the men showed themselves unfit he alone would dismiss them.

THE LAND BILL. TATE A, last night. The Hon. Air McNab addressed a meeting at Patea this evening in explanation of the Land Bill. Ho dealt exhaustively with the proposals' contained in the Bill, his remarks being on the lines of .previous speakers. At the conclusion of the the following motion was moved: “That while this meeting appreciates Mr McNab’s address, it is opposed to any Land Bill which does not give the country settler the benefit of the freehold.” To this tho following amendment wns moved, “That this meeting accords Air McNab a hearty vote of thanks, and approves of the general principle of tho limitation of large holdings, and thinks that provision should bo made by way of endowments for education, charitable aid, and old ago pensions. the amendment was carried by a largo majority. The Minister was frequently applauded during his speech.

SCHOLARSHIPS. WELLINGTON, last night. The Recess Committee of the Univerxitj' of Now 55oaI*ind mot to-day, and made the following awards and recommendations for scholarships. The list is in order of merit: 1, Arthur Sandcl, Scholarship, Junior University. 2, F. B. Adams, Senior National. 3, H. F. Lefersodgo, Junior University. . . , 4, E. A. Jackson, Senior National. 5, N. A. Campbell, Junior University. . C, David Whyte, Senior National. 7, R. Leon, Junior University. 8, E. M. Ha rris, Senior National. 9, J. H. Murdoch, Senior National 10, H. M. Btidd, Senior National. 11, A Minn, Junior University. 12 L. S. Jennings, Taranaki. 13, A. M. F. Candy, Senior National. _ ... 14, G. 1:1. Nichols, .Junior University. „ , . 15, W. M. A. Gray, declined scholarship. , 16 A. J: Hanson, Senior National If! G. 51. Stewart, Junior Umversitv. ■ , r , . 18, Gladys Cameron, junior University. ... , ■ , 19 ,Tns. Ogg, Senior National. 21 ’ p. W. Biirbidgo, Senior Na*22 Samuel Hollis, Senior National 23’, 11. 51. Jenkins, recommended for Queen’s (senior). 24 G. F. Hendry, declined scholar--25, E. R. Dickson, Junior UniverSlt 26, Bertha- stiller, Junior Univer?lt27, sr. B. srartin, Junior UniverS 1 28. J. 51- Butler, Senior National, oo p B. Barton, Senior National. 30, (i. F. SV. sluggan, Senior National. , . T — • 31, K. 51. Whitehead, Junior Univers it v. _ . .. . 32, B. H. Gilmour, Junior tliiver"33, D. In Sinclair, Senior Nati:u,Alan Wallace, Senior National. 35, Henrietta Smith, Junior University. The following were also recommended for Senior Queen’s Scholarships, others higher* on the list not being eligible:—Ethel Hall, Annie Winifred Teyclionne, Thomas Boyce. Where the total value of the universitv Junior Scholarship is less than that of Senior National Scholarships, Government-will pay the fees or such part of them as will make them equal to the Senior National Scholarships.

MISSING MAN. NELSON, last night. In connection with tho supposed loss of Edward Hooker, who loft Motuokn last. Thursday in a boat to sail to Nelson, tho steer oar of ’tlio boat has been found washed ashore near the Bluff. AN INQUEST. NELSON, last, night. Tho inquest on Alexander lioldero, who was killed at the brick works last Thursday, was concluded late tonight. Tho 'verdict of tlio jury was that deceased was accidentally killed, and that the resistance post was not sufficiently fixed to stand the extra strain which it was called upon to hear, and that in tlioir opinion the work should have been suspended after tlio accident' until permanent repairs bad been effected. Lt transpired that oil the same morning, while Ponder was at tho brake, nil accident occurred, and ho was struck on the right side, hut loss severely than Boldero.

TAR AN AKL REGATTA. NEW PLYMOUTH, last night. I-ioavy vain during tho morning spoilt tlio prospects of tho Taranaki regatta at Wait urn, and tho main .events were postponed -till tho 21st inst. Tho outriggor events were pulled off to suit' the visitors. The results were: —Maiden: Aramoho 1, Waitnra 2. Wanganui won, but wore disqualified for boring, and the race was rowed over again lietwcon tlio other boats. Junior outriggor: Aramoho 1, Waitara 2, Wanganui 3. Won by a length. Senior outrigger: Clifton 1, Wanganui 2, Aramoho 3. Won with ease. The weather was fine during tho afternoon. BANK HOLIDAYS. WELLINGTON, last night, The Chamber of Commerce to-day passed the following resolution: ‘That this Chamber reaffirms the views expressed at the last annual meeting in resnoct of tho excessive number of holidays that are taken by tlio banks trading in New Zealand, and desires the Council to take every opportunity of seoking a reduction of their number.

THE EXHIBITION. (By- Telegraph Special Serviced CHRISTCHURCH, last night. Tho Flower Show opened in the main corridor of the Exhibition today, of which begonias formed tiie chief exhibits, is pronounced by experts to be without doubt the largest and finest over held in too colony. As iriicli was suit! of the beiiut'ifu’ and. extensive show held r. few weeks ago, which was adjudged to bo mo or the best ever seen in Australasia, but tliis one, it is agreed, far excels that both in number and quality of exhibits. The total ot Hi," (litries for the competition constitutes a r>cord for tho Canterbury Umr.i.! 11-. rLicuPui a! Society .which is controlling liio show. Tho exhib ’s cove: about one thousand feet of tables, and an additional seven hundred of floor space,the whole extent of tiie large entrance avenue being required for the display. Begonias, though not included in tiie list of popular flowers, were exhibited freely by a large number of growers, and cut "flowers, especially dahlias, gladiolia, and roses, are very largely represented. There is also a good display of fruit and vegetables. A large exhibit of Client azalias, in full bloomr which only left Holland at tiie end of November for New Zealand, is a beautiful feature of the show. The quality in all branches of the exhibit is unusually high, and the show, to which no extra charge is made for , admission, has been thronged withDulmiring visitors all day and evening. The society intends to follow up this success with a dahlia show on March 6 and 7, which will be made a climax of these horticultural exhibitions. Already such extensive preparations are being made for this event liy growers that it is gravely feared the entrance corridor will not bo largo enough to accommodate the numerous exhibits. Tho. present flower show will he continued tomorrow. _ . Two hundred and fifty four cadets of Wellington No. 3 School Cadets Battalion, under Major Burlinson, arrived at the Exhibition Camp tins morning. Three other battalions, consisting of corps from Weraroa, Levin, Otaki, and Jolinsonville, 290 hoys, are expected to arrive to-morrow. Arrangements are being made tor the cadets to give a demonstration on the Sports Grounds next Thuisdav afternoon. It is anticipated by the Exhibitjou authorities, in view of the correspondence that has. been received from all parts of the colony, that a very large number of people throughout New Zealand will time then visit to the Exhibition to fit in with the International Band Contest, which begins on Monday next, and will last tilF the following Saturday. The numerous competing bands will doubtless be accompanied m very many cases by tlioir friends and ielatives, and tho attendance or bandsmen who have not entered for the competitions will doubtless lie extremely large. The specially reduced fares now in force will doubtless serve to increase tiie influx, i lie quickstep and test selections will lie rendered on'the Sports Ground and the solo, quartette and trio selections in the Concert Hall. A mass baud display, under Lieut. Bentley, will lie given on the Sports Grounds on Saturday, the 16th. The Canterbury Automobile Association’s Bymkhana will take place on the Sports Ground on March J. The various centres have now chosen their representatives to compete in the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association’s sports meeting on the 23rd inst, and keen, competition is expected in the championship events.