YESTERDAY'S TELEGRAMS

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 999, 7 September 1877, Page 2

YESTERDAY'S TELEGRAMS

[BY SUBMARINE CABLE. PER PRESS AGENCY.] Reported Russian Victory. Bombay, September 5. The Turks have evacuated Sukhum Kale. The Russians have captured Lovatz. The " Daily News " says the Russians were victorious at Plevna on the 31st, the Turkish loss being 2000. AUSTRALIA. Sydney, September 6. Free Handicap —Dockwood, 1; Wamba, 2; AT, 3. Craven Plate—Robinson Crusoe won easily; Salisbury, 2; Viva, 3. President's Handicap—Era, lj Deacon, 2; Rangitara, 3. Mares Produce Stakes—Chester, 1; Woodlands, 2: Cap-a-pie, 3. A fine race. INTERPROVINCIAL. Auckland, September 6. Alburnia Company have declare a dividend of 15s. John Carlisle, clerk of works at the. dock, has been killed by a heavy bucket falling from a crane. •'Waka Maori" Libel Case. Wellington, September 6. The judge finished his charge shortly before four, having commenced it at ten this mornjug, Having instructed the jury as to the issues, the judge said that if they found any

of the allegations in the letters defamatory and untrue, their verdict must be for the plaintiff; if they held on other hand that the allegations in both Maori letters were proved, then they should give a verdict, for the defendants. The foreman of the jury made a representation on behalf of the others as to the exceptional nature of the trial in its unusual duration, with the view of getting some special remuneration. The Chief Justice said he had no power in the matter, nor was there any power under which such a thing could be done. After being absent two hours and a half, the jury returned, bringing a verdict for plaintiff on all issues (six) for £SOO damages. They then informed the Judge that they would present their fee of twelve guineas to the Benevolent Society. G-eorge Jones was brought up at the Eesident Magistrate's Court this morning before three Justices of the Peace. The Bench wanted an adjournment till to-morrow, when the Resident Magistrate would be present. Mr Bees pressed for a hearing at once, as ho wanted to get away that afternoon. Mr Izard having stated the case, reading portions of the article considered libellous, Mr Bees contended that the article was not libellous, as it only stated that Mr Whitaker sought to pass an Act so as to acquire a great quantity of land "by law," which was open to everyone else, and that his action was not stated to be wrong, only unpopular. After a good deal of argument, the Bench ruled that a prima facie case had been made out, as the whole tendency of the article was to the effect that the Land Bill ought to be called a Bill to enrich Mr Whitaker and his friends at the expense of the public. Mr Bees then wanted to place Mr Whitaker in the box to examine him, but Mr Izard raised a legal objection that he could not be examined to prove the libel at a preliminary investigation. Jones reserved his defence. Jones was then committed to take his trial at the Supreme Court Bail was allowed, accused in £IOO and two sureties in £SO each.

The annual report of the Insurance Commission shows that 1409 new policies have heen issued for £565,928; the new premiums thereon being £20,777. The total annual income was £91,995. The death claims were 11,750, and the accumulated fund £219,394, being an increase during year of £65,677. The number of policies in force is 7343, assuring £2,734,602. It is stated that there are only seven companies in Great Britain whose new business exceeds the above, and it has been at greater proportionate cost. Dunedin, September 6. Proudfoot's case is adjourned until tomorrow. He was allowed bail in the sum of £ISOO. It is generally understood that the father of the prosecutrix was offered £2OO to condone the offence, but he was not permitted to answer a question put to him for the purpose of ascertaining that fact. Mr Rowbottom, well known in Dunedin as manager of Robinson and Co., implement makers, was charged to-day with having forged a bill for £691. The evidence of one witness was taken, and the case then remanded. [from the correspondent of the press.] Dunedin, September 6. Petitions in favour of opening the Museum on Sundays have received over 6000 signatures. Scarlet fever is greatly on the increase at Port Chalmers. A private letter reports the death, at Melbourne, of John W.Smith, known in theatrical circles. Longuet's 'defalcations amount to over £4OO. A shocking accident occurred at Kensington this afternoon. A|lad named Hay, aged eleven, went to the brickworks there, and in attempting to go aloft was caught in the machinery and killed instantaneously, his head being almost severed from the body.