NEW ZEALAND.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1923, 23 April 1880, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND.

[Pbess Association.] AUCKLAND, April 21. Mr BryceMr Bryce arrived at Manakau this morning. Sir G. Grey. Sir G-, Grey addresses a meeting about Wednesday next, if in good health. If ho is not he will speak the following week. The Charges Against J- C- Young. In the second charge against J. O. Young, late Government Land Purchase Agent, he was charged with the embezzlement of Government moneys. The jury, at 11 o’clock, returned a verdict of “Not Guilty,” attaching the following presentment : —“ That the system of Native land purchase expenditure, as disclosed by the evidence, is extremely loose and reprehensible, and affords no sufficient check against fraud by persons employed as agents. The other charges were to be heard to-day, but at the opening of the Court the Crown Prosecutor announced their withdrawal. The Judge discharged Mr Young, but said that he had been guilty of gross doriliction of duty in the payment of moneys and had brought the prosecution on himself, but he (the Judge) was satisfied that tho prisoner had not attempted to appropriate moneys to his own use. NAPIER, April 23. FireThe Commercial Hotel at tho Spit was destroyed by fire at 2 a.m. this morning. Mr Gallop, the proprietor, was absent, being at a private party in town. His wife and one servant wore alone in the house sleeping together, and roused by unwonted sounds, discovered that the house was on fire. Tho flames then had such hold that they could only save a box or two of clothing Both Spit and Napier Brigades had been holding their annual dinner in town,but, in spite of having “dined,” they turned out promptly ond succeeded in confining tho fire to tho hotel. Tho adjoining buildings were severely scorched, the weather boards of Banner and Liddle’s bonded store being burnt through in places. Tho insurances on the building are £6OO in the South British, and £4OO in the Victoria. The stock and furniture £6OO in the Transatlantic. PresentationAt the Fire Brigade dinner last night, Mr ! Sutton, M.H.R., presiding, Mr W. Miller, chief gaolor and late superintendent of the

Brigade, was presented with a testimonial and a handsome silver tea and coffee service. The Fire Brigade QuestionWELLINGTON, April 23. At a meeting of the City Council last night the fire brigades committee reported that in future there shall be only one Municipal Fire Brigade, and that the Council advertise for a duly qualified superintendent at a salary of £IOO per annum, to organise and take command of such fire brigade, which is to be formed somewhat on the following basis : One superintendent, with salary of £100; two foremen, at £25 each ; five branchmen, at £10; twenty-five firemen, at £5 each ; one night watchman, at £IOO ; two stationkeepers, at 30s per week each, £160; monthly practices (twenty-five men at 2s each, five men at 3s each), £4O ; expenditure at fires, («ay) £l5O ; contingencies, £IOO. Total, £375 per annum. Accident to the ManawatuThe steamer Manawatu, from Wanganui to Wellington, broke down between Kapiti and Mans. Islands. It is believed that the boiler burst, and it is stated that the circumstances demand strict enquiry. The passengers of the Manawatu were brought on by the Jane Douglas, and the injured steamer returned to Kapiti. The Rangatira leaves this afternoon to tow the Manawatu to Wellington, NEW PLYMOUTH, April 22. Capture of a LunaticStephen Coad, a lunatic, who escaped from Wellington Asylum about three months ago, has been apprehended. Owing to the doctors being unable to come to a decision respecting his case, he was remanded for a few days for further examination. Indecent AssaultW. Johnston Dale, who was discharged at the District Court owing to the Crown Prosecutor having neglected signing the indictment, was again arrested for an indecent assault noon his daughter. The case was remanded till to morrow. WELLINGTON, April 22. The Tramway Case. The tramway case in the Supreme Court is not likely to conclude until Saturday. The Naval Brigade. At a meeting of the naval brigade Captain Johnston announced that he had, through the Colonial Government, sent a request to the imperial authorities to allow the brigade the use of a man of war from England. Treaties with FranceThe “ Gazette ” states that the duration of the existing treaties of commerce and navigation with Prance is prolonged. FireA destructive fire occurred at Burnhampton this afternoon, a house owned by Mr J. E. Bight being totally destroyed. The furniture, valued at £BOO, belonging to Mr D. P. Davis, who occupied the building, was also destroyed. The origin of the fire is unknown, and it is believed that the house was insured in the National. Mutual Provident Society. The report presented at the annual meeting of the Australian Mutual Provident Society held in Sydney yesterday and now issued here, shows that during the last year 9496 proposals were received, of which 3361 were declined, withdrawn, or rejected, leaving 6135 proposals accepted and completed assuring £210,685, and yielding new premiums to the amount of £74,355. The amount paid during the year in settlement of claims arising under 279 life policies by the death of 238 members was £142,832, including 20,832 for bonus additions. The total number .of existing policies is 39,384 assuring £14,803,351. The annual income of the Society from premiums amounts to £502,117, and from interest to £192,165, making a total annual revenue of £694,282. The accumulated fund stands at £2,933,797, having been increased during the year by £327,738, being the balance of receipts over disbursements, which include all cash bonuses applied for to the end of the year. TIMABU, April 22. Charge of Perjury. At the Eesident Magistrates’ Court, Waimate, to-day, William Hoyton was charged with perjury at the hearing of the Waimate fire oases at Dunedin lately. The Bench decided that tnia case, and also a similar one against T. H. G. Smith, should go no further till a mandamus had been obtained from the Supreme Court, Wellington. Grain TrafficHeavy deliveries of grain are taking place both by rail and road, and the quality is much superior to that received early. Not half of it is in yet. Alterations in Education Act. A conference of chairmen of school committees in South Canterbury is to be held on Saturday, to consider what alterations in tbe Education Act are advisable. BALOLUTHA, April 22. ObituaryMr Bobert Kooson Whitelea, one of the earliest and moat respected settlers of the Olutha, died to-day, aged seventy-three years. INVERCARGILL, April 22. InquestAn inquest was commenced to-day on the body of the male infant found in Puni Creek yesterday. The inquest stands adjourned for ten days, as the police have not yet arrested the mother of the child. General Davidson-Major-General Davidson, who has been suffering severely from fever and ague for some time past, is now rapidly improving. [PEOM OUB OWN COEEBSPONDEHT.] WELLINGTON, April 22. Mr Oliver. The Hon. B. Oliver, Minister for Public Works, who is expected to leave to-morrow in the s s. Penguin for Tauranga, Gisborne and Napier,’ will come overland from Napier to Wellington, arriving here, probably, on Tuesday or Wednesday next. Property Assessment ActThe Assessors under the Property Assessment Act are commencing actively the discharge of their duties in the Wellington district. The first instalment will not be collected, however, until September or October, or probably even later.