NEW ZEALAND.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2226, 16 April 1881, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND.

[PKB PEESB ASSOCIATION.J AUCKLAND. April 14, Another Libel Case. Mr W, J. Hurst this afterr°on swore an information for criminal libe, against Mr J. D, Wickham. Owing to the Easter holidays, the case will in all probability not come on for several days. Fire. A fire broke out this afternoon at Messrs Stone Bros’, store in Queen street. The fire originated in a case of preserved meats, the straw of which had ignited by spontaneous combustion. Waste LandsAt the Waste Land Board Mr Firth asked if any information in reference to Messrs Grant and Forster’s settlement had been received ? Mr May wished to know whether the first instalment had been paid? The Chairman replied that no answer had been received. The Board had had to take exception to some of Captain Steele’s plans, and perhaps he had not had sufficient time to reply. The Board resolved—“ That information be requested regarding Messrs Grant and Forster’s negotiations for Te Aroha lands.”

The Te Aroha CaseThe Te Aroha murder case was resumed this morning by Mr Brassey, who spoke for two hours in defence of Procoffy. The Crown Prosecutor briefly replied. His Honor’s summing up occupied till 5 p.m. He said that the circumstances were trivial separately, but combined were very strong in making a chain of evidence. The jury retired, and at 9 o’clock the judge returned to Court to receive their verdict. They could not agree, and were locked up for the night, April 15. At the opening of the Supreme Court this morning, the jury returned a verdict of acquittal of Procoffy for the Te Aroha murder. It is rumored that nine jurymen were favorable to the acquittal, from the point of Sergeant Mulville’s evidence, two yielded subsequently, and only one held out till this morning. The prisoner was greatly agitated, and crossed himself to the Judge, jury, and spectators, and then clasped his hands in an attitude of prayer. The Maoris are very dark over his acquittal. The Thames division of volunteers arrived this morning 400 strong, and left for the Waikato by train for the Te Awamutu encampment. GBAHAMBTOWN, April 14. Mining.

Mining prospects have materially improved during the past few days. The Alburnia has out a new golden reef, which likewise runs through the Whan. The former Jcompany is likewise on a small leader which, it is believed, will lead to a rich patch. The Golden Calf is seeing gold daily. WELLINGTON, April 14. Volunteering. Four hundred volunteers leave for Nelson to-night, to attend the review there. DUNEDIN, April 15. To-day was observed as a general holiday. The weather was splendid. Conventions of religious bodies were held at the rooms of the Dunedin Young Men’s Christian Association to-day, and were attended by representatives of all but the Anglicans and Catholics. The object was united prayer and thanksgiving.