NEW ZEALAND.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2304, 22 August 1881, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND.

[PER press association.] AUCKLAND, August 20. Accident at Sea. On the passage of the Hermione a boy named Wm. Jones, the son of a passenger, slipped on the forecastle, and rolled overboard and was drowned before a boat reached him. The Hermione brings some of Mr Vesey Stewart’s settlers. Suspicions. The police are investigating a singular case of fire raising at Mr Spry’s residence, Ponsonby. A burning bag was found in a box under the house. This is the third attempt reported to the police by Mr Spry within a week. The Rona. There are no further particulars respecting the wreck of the Rona. The reported finding of a body has proved to be unfounded. Afraid of Publicity. At the Education Board a motion to admit the Press to all meetings of the Board, committee or otherwise, was rejected on the casting vote of the chairman. Consolidation. At a meeting of the ratepayers of Fonsonby highway district a committee was appointed to confer with the City Council as to the terms on which Ponsonby could be joined with the city. If satisfactory probably Newton, Parnell, and surrounding districts will join in the movement. The Smuggling Case. The rehearing of the charges of smuggling against Bmerle and Polkinghorne resulted in their acquittal. The case has excited great interest, and fifty witnesses were examined. WELLINGTON, August 20. Dangerous GymnasticsThe third officer of the steamer Albion fell down the hold this morning, and received serious injury to the spine. He was removed to the Hospital. DUNEDIN, August 21. A Suicide.

Mr J. E. Hooper, the actor, well known in Dunedin and Christchurch, committed suicide by hanging at his residence here last evening. When the body was found life was quite extinct. It is believed that the cause of the act was destitution and low spirits, through having been out of employment for several months.