NEW ZEALAND.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2246, 10 May 1881, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND.

[pee press association]. AUCKLAND, May 9. Sir George Again. Sir George Grey will address a public meeting before going South, Viye! la FranceA report is current among the Frenchmen resident in Auckland that a war steamer is on her way hither for the purpose of transporting them to their fatherland, from which they have so long been exiled. A large portion of them intend to embrace the opportunity of returning to France. WANGANUI, May 9, WeightsThe following are the weights for the Wanganui Handicap Steeplechase : —Lonehand, 12st 61b ; Grey Momus, list lllb; King Don, list 81b ; Lady Mary, list 21b j Eclipse, list ; Eaweneta, lOst lllb ; Chandler, 10st lllbs ; Venture, lOst 101 b ; Fira, lOst 101 b ; Dan, 10at 81b ; Surrey, lOst 71b ; Omanuka, lOst 61b ; Monk, lOst 21b ; Parikirangarainga, lOst. WELLINGTON, May 9. Fire. Mr Fisher’s coal and wood shed was destroyed by fire at 10 o’clock this evening. The shed and contents were insured for £2OO in the Union office. PALMERSTON NORTH, May 9. Filthy Lucre. Mr Charles Anderson, prospector for the Hit or Miss Company, came into town on Saturday with a splendid specimen of quartz, in which gold is plainly visible to the naked eye. GREYMOUTH, May 9. MoGahey CommittedVery little evidence of any moment was elicited during the hearing of the murder case at the R.M. Court. After the magistrate had cautioned the prisoner in the usual way, McGahey said that he had nothing to say except that ho was innocent, and would reserve his defence. He was then committed to take his trial at the next criminal sessions at Hokitika. HOKITIKA, May 9. Figures. The following are the census returns of the population of Westland and Greymouth : Total population, 17,840, made up aa follows : Westland, 10,272 ; Greymouth, 7568. Westland is divided as follows —Arahura, 2791; Kanieri, 1690 ; Totara, 266 ; Okarito, 464 j Jackson’s Bay, 160 ; Hokitika borough, 2617; Kumara, 2145 ; Ross, 1139 ; increase, 842, 18,962 acres of land are under crop. TIMARU, May 9. Postal. Mr W. W. Beswiok, for many years Postmaster in Timaru, proceeds to Westport as Chief Postmaster. OAMARU, May 9. Steeplechasing, At a meeting of gentlemen to night, it was decided to hold a steeplechase meeting on the 9th of Juno. The sum of £2lO will be given. The programme has not yet been arranged. DUNEDIN, May 9. The Tram AccidentThe inquest on Garrett, who died from injuries received in the Boslyn tram accident, was continued to-day. The relatives of the deceased, the conductor of the oar (Peter Hannah), and the company, were represented by lawyers. Mr Deniston, having objected to the coroner’s way of taking evidence down, provoked the following reply from the coroner:—“l by no moans underrate the value of lawjers’ services, but at the same time I am convinced we are quite competent to make the fullest inquiry without legal assistance, and on that principle I intend to act.” GoneA sudden death occurred at half-past one o’clock this afternoon. Mr James Shortel, lately landlord of the Golden Ago Hotel, whilst walking in St. Andrew street, burst a bloodvessel and died just before reaching the hospital door. He had been suffering trom lung disease, and was leaving for Nelson tomorrow to get the benefit of a warmer climate.