LATEST UNPUBLISHED.

Kumara Times, Issue 787, 8 April 1879, Page 2

LATEST UNPUBLISHED.

[PKESS AGENCY.)

Wellington, April 7. The criminal sessions of the Supreme Court opened this morning. There are fourteen cases, involving 17 persons, but the cases are not of a very serious character. This is the largest calendar but one which has been held here for years. There was nothing in the Judge’s charge of a general interest, save his remarks that there seemed to be a decrease of crimes of a violent character, especially assaults upon females.

A private letter received from a settler in the Waimate Plains district, and one who took a most active part in the late Native war, states that Native affairs look very ugly, and that it will be a very difficult matter now to maintain our position without fighting, which means ruin to most of us. No steps involving fighting should be. taken without Parliament being first called together. Referring to Duncan’s failure, the New Zealand Times says “ We have reason to believe that more will be heard of this insolvency.” Mr Charles Bright’s series of “ Free Thought” lectures have been largely attended.

The New Zealander, in reviewing the state of commercial matters here at present, says, “ It is possible there may he one or two smaller stoppages durum the incoming week.”

The same journal also says that “ Although the Government has withdrawn for tiie present a portion of the Waiinate Plains which were announced for sale on the Gth May, the sale will take place at no distant period” It says “ that action was taken because it has been found the surveys will not be completed by the date originally fixed.” The lliuemoa has left for Opunake, witli another reinforcement of Armed Constabulary, bhe also took a quantity of stores, and timber to erect barracks.

There were 87 applicants for three vacant masterships in the Wellington College.

The Post tx>-night calls attention to the nurabet of entirely new offices lately created in the Civil Service, and enumerates the ibllowihg ; —Railway Commissioners for each island, Secretary of Railways Middle Island* Undersecretary, seven Railway Assistant Under-Secretaries, Assistant Undersecretary Public Works, Assistant Under - Secretary Immigration and Crown Lands, Assistant Under-Secre-tary Goldfields, Under-Secretary for Native Lands Pm’chases, Commissioner of Land Tax, Under-Secretary for Defence, Under-Secretary for Marine Department, and Deputy Auditor-Gen-eral ; and it has not exhausted the list.

No further information of a definite nature has been redeived by the Government from the Wairaate Plains. Te Whiti, as a proof of his friendly intentions, has sent two of his relatives, who leave for New Plymouth to-mor-row, to personally arrange matters. His absence will be only" for a few days. A telegram is said to have been received by the Government which would lead to the belief of a satisfactory settlement.

Bowden was excustd service on a grand jury because he was a schoolmaster.

F. Lammas, for begging, was sentenced to a week in gaol. He was told lie would get six months next time. April 8, At the Supreme Court this morning, Peter Regan was sentenced to 12 months, hard labor for attempted suicide. John Honey, an elderly man, charged wich a similar offence, was released on bail, him-elf in £IOO, and another surety of £IOO. Charles Mills, an old man far advanced in consumption, was sentenced to 12 months for forging and uttering. Mackay has gone to TJrenui above the WaitaiM, to see some strong friends and sympathisers of Te Wlnti. It is said Te Whiti a few days ago prevented some friends of Titokowarau from committing acts of violence.

Mr A. J. Maginity, hitherto chief clerk, lias been appointed Assistant Secretary to the Telegraphic Department.,