NEW ZEALAND.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1811, 10 December 1879, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND.

[Peess Association.] WELLINGTON, December 10. The Property Tax Assessment BillThe following were the amendments made in the Property Assessment Bill. The danse relating to the tax on shipping was struck out. All property is to be valued at the price it would bring at auction for cash. The Governor is empowered by an Order in O mncil to suspend the operation of the Land Tax Act. Major Atkinson promised, before the third reading, to state the amount of the tax proposed to be imposed. Wellington College. A deputation from the College Governors waited on the Minister for Education for the purpose of ascertaining what assistance towards the expenses of the College they might expect from the Government. The Minister replied that the question of secondary education was now before a Commission, and until the Government had received their report he could not give a reply to the deputation. A Horsewhipping CaseAt the Magistrate’s Court yesterday a young man, named E. White, was fined 5s for horsewhipping Withers Watts, son of Dr. Watts, who had cent an insulting letter to White’s sister. The fine was subscribed by several gentlemen in the Court and the balance was placed in the poor box. Sub-Lieutenant Leahy. The Court of Inquiry into the conduct of Sub Lieutenant Leahy, of the Naval Brigade, met again yesterday morning, but adjourned, owing to the absence of the first lieutenant, who had laid the information. The Licensed Victuallers. At a meeting of the Licensed Victuallers’ Association it was decided to make an extra charge of fid per bottle on spirits. The PenguinThe repairs to the steamer Penguin will not be completed until this morning. She left for Napier. WELLINGTON, December 10. Murray, Roberts and Co. have received the following cablegram from London. The wool sales closed with a moderate fatten dance in the saleroom. The total amount catalogued in the sales was 130,000 bales. 5500 bales have been withdrawn. No material change in price has occurred. They closed on an average equal to the opening rates of season. ParliamentaryIn the House last night the remaining clauses of the Property Assessment Bill were passed through committee without any substantiul alteration. The House rose at 2.10 a.m. BLENHEIM, December 10. Supreme CourtIn the Supreme Court yesterday the cases of Eirwan, Goff, and Gondie for cattle stealing, and of Yates for assault with intent on a young girl were dismissed. At sittings of the court in the case Earle v Doherty for libel, Mr Travers, who appeared for the defendant, made a special plea alleging the allegations in the libel to be true, and that Earle had actually seduced his niece, and had intercourse with her during the past two years, and further that the alleged libel was made with the view of having the allegations inquired into for the public benefit. fFEOM OtTB OWN COBBESPONDENT.] AUCKLAND, December 10. A fire broke out Rafton’s, basket-maker, Upper Queen street. The brigade quickly arrived, and soon extinguished the fire, which originated in the cellar. A good deal of stock was burned. It was insured for £2OO in the Colonial office. Advices from Sydney report that probably Goddefrois’ South Sea business will be carried on till hia colonial liabilities be met. Reward of Gallantry. At the entertainment given in aid of the sufferers by the recent explosion on the, Naval Brigade pinnace, Captain Leroy presented petty officer Moore with a medal, in recognition of his gallantry in saving life on that occasion. Cambridge Branch LineA meeting of Cambridge settlers carried a resolution to push on the branch line. GBAHAMBTOWN, December 10. FireA fire broke out this morning at 2 o'clock, in Pollen street, and destroyed Brien’s, the furniture dealer, and Wood’s, the fruiterer, shops. It is supposed that it was caused by a girl of Brian's leaving a candle burning on going to bed. The insurances are—Brien, in the Royal, for £150; Wood, in the Norwich Union, £SO on the building. Another Court Martial. Five Naval Brigade bandsmen will be by Court Martial next week for refusing t® attend church parade. AUCKLAND, December 9. A Discovery. The contractor for sinking a well at the North road brewery at 120 ft. came across a seam of coal, which appears to be between brown coal and lignite. Lively Proceedings. At a meeting of creditors of Lewis Bros., a personal encounter took place between J. M. Shora and Joseph Howard, which was resumed on the following day at an adjourned meeting, until they wore separated by friends. Shera lays an action for wilful assault, and Howard a cross action. The cases will bo heard on Thursday. NELSON, December 9. The Property Tax. A meeting is to be held to consider the Property Tux Bill. People seem surprised at its passing its second reading. DUNEDIN, December 9. The “Pinafore” BusinessThe evening paper states that on the return of Mr Justice Williams from Invercargill, Mr Macdonald, acting for Messrs J, 0, Wil*

1 “vTfiTfor 3 f‘ lbert - intends an. £- 'nil«TrnnK^ ln3UnC i lOn to strain the Ju»v . 6 Troubadours from playing « Pi na . *•«;'* -** ” al . <c> " that proceedings are to be tßk..‘ ,n against Messrs Towle and Ogden for an infringement of the Authors’ Copyright Act. ' D The Match. The committee of the Otago Cricket Association met last evening to receive a letter from the Canterbury Association fixing Monnay, 12th January, for commencement of mterprovineial match. It was resolved to request Canterbury to agree to an alteration so as to include a Saturday in the days of play. The Opera. II Trovatore ” was performed with great euccesß bj the Opera Company last night. The Weather. JTarmers in the country districts are beginning to complain of too much rain.