NEW ZEALAND.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2417, 4 January 1882, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND.

[PEB PBEBB ASSOCIATION. I PATEA, January 4. Alleged LibelMr Sherwood, the Mayor, has announced his intention to prosecute the “ News” for libel. OPUNAKB, Janutry 4. Stabbing CaseJames Henry, a coach-driver, arrested for stabbing a stable man on Sunday last, is now remanded to New Plymouth, WELLINGTON, January 4, Supreme CourtAt the Supreme Court this morning, Geo. Thomas Skinner was sentenced to twelve months’ hard labor for forgery. DUNEDIN, January 4, The Passage of the WaitangiThe “ Star ” publishes a letter from a passenger per ship Waitangi, from Port Chalmers to London. Tbe letter states that on September 7th, during the height of a gale, tho ship was struck by several seas, which did a good deal of damage. All the passengers were ordered to the stern cabin. Mrs Johnston and child, the only steeroge passengers, wore brought aft out of bed, but Mrs Johnston persisted in going back for her clothes. She had hardly done so when two cross seas broke on board, carrying away the house on deck with Mrs Johnston. The quartermaster av.d second mate received injuries in trying to save the woman. Supreme CourtTb« Supreme Court opened to-day. Judg e Williams congratulated the Grand Jury on the fact of there being no serious charges. Herbert Vincent, deaf and dumb, was sentenced to two years for forgery. Prisoner had been previously convicted. Fatal Bath.

At Waikouaiti a boy named Childs was drowned while bathing in the river.

ASHBURTON, January 4, Assault-

To-day, before J. Beswiok, R.M., Patrick O’Shannaesy, a publican, and John Kel’ar, a laborer, both of Waterton, were charged with having on December 26ch at tho Waterton Hotel, assaulted Richard Ohudley, a gardener to John Q-rigg, of Longbeaoh. Mr Oriep appeared for the prosecution., and Mr Purnell for the prisoners. Ohudley deposed that he was at the hotel, when dice were introduced, play being maintained from seven o’clock in tho evening until eleven. O’Shannassy then ordered Kellar to see Ohudley to bed, and on the way upstairs Kellar took some silver out of witness’ vest pocket. Ohudley complained, and O’Shannassy called out, “ Bring him down,” whereupon O’Shannassy threw witness out on to the verandah and struck him. Both prisoners then dragged him twenty yards and strapped him to the wheel of a cart, keeping him lashed until daylight. Ohudley admitted being under the influence of drink, but said he was not very drunk. Mrs Francis Edge, W. Whinray, J. Collison. Constable Neill, and Dr. Ross, also gave evidence. Both prisoners were committed for trial at the next session of the Supremo Court at Christchurch, Bail was allowed," O’Shannassy himself in £IOO and two sureties in £SO each; Kellar himself in £SO and two sureties in £25 each. Much interest was taken in the case, the Court being crowded by country people. The prisoners reserved their defence.

[from ode correspondent.j Fatal Effects of Putrid Water. ASHBURTON, January 4. Mr Hampton, a farmer, came to Ashburton from Ohertsey a few days ago with seven children, some of whom had contracted dysentery, it is supposed from inadvertently drinking water from a tank from which a dead sheep and cat had been removed. la spite of the attendance of medical men Hampton has already lost three children, and the remainder are ill. The Weather. Hot nor’ westers continue to blow over the plains, and it is feared the illness prevalent will not subside until a decided change iu the weather occurs. Destructive Fire. On Tuesday morning George Aston, a farmer residing at Howlands, lost his house, furniture, and stable by a fire having spread from the chimney to the thatch. A strong wind was blowing at the time. Half a dozen neighbors worked manfully with Aston, and succeeded in saving his horses, reaping machines, and crops, though one of the machines had actually caught fire. All his stores were consumed. There was no insurance. Election Petition. Last evening a meeting was hold of Joseph Ivess’ committee, who determined to proceed with the petition, with a view of upsetting Mr J. O. Wason’s election for Wakanui It. is understood the grounds of the petition comprise allegations that aliens, minors, and persons incorrectly named on the roll wore permitted to vote for Mr Wason, and that one or two of the returning officers were not equally lenient towards the supporters of K.Ivess. Mr Wason’a friends ore equally fan guine that the declared result of the poll will not bo disturbed.