LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Kumara Times, Issue 1018, 6 January 1880, Page 2

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

[UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Blenheim, January 5. The strike of the telegraph operators still continues, not one of the twentythree having accepted the unsatisfactory terms offered by Dr. Lemon. The Marlborough Express appeared as au evening paper to-day. Wellington, January 5. The Supreme Court criminal business commenced this morning. Mr Justice Richmond, iu his charge to the grand jury, referred to the calender as being an average one for this district, and riiost of the charges were not of a serious nature. With reference to the case of William Hales, for dual voting at the last election for the House of Representatives, his Honor spoke strongly in favor of the preservation of the grand jury as standing between the Government and the people, and they were able to prevent vexations-prosecn-tions. Although the committing Magistrate had hitherto executed his duties in a highly recommendable manner, yet Magistrates were liable to favor government form. They obtained their bread and butter for political prosecutionj and he said dangerous power Would be given to Government, unless the grand j ury were preserved. He admitted that the grand jury system was somewhat cumbersome and needed improving, but it was protection to the liberty of subjects.

Auckland, January 2. There was a large attendance at the Caledonian sports, and thousands travelled by tramway. The lucky holders of the £IOOO prize in Camerom’s sweep is one of the City Corporation employees ; of the second horse, a basket maker in Princes street; and of the third horse, a store keeper at Pine Hill.

Yesterday afternoon, a very narrow escape fioin drowning occurred to a little girl ■named Margaret Bradbury, while attempting to get on board the ship Wanganui. She fell between the

vessel and the Port Chalmers Railway Pier. ,Mr J. Frayne, the second engineer of the Turarua, witnessed the accident, and immediately jumped overboard, and rescued the child, who was taken aboard tin ship, \Vhere restoratives being supplied she soon recovered. Great yi raise is due to Mr Frayne for his promptitude in jumping overboard. January 3. Sir Hi Robirisdti departed this morning in a special train, accompanied by the Hon. P. Whitaker, Hon. Jas. Williamson, and E. Ferguson. On reaching Hamilton he was driven by R. H, Ferguson in his four-in hand to Cambridge. Beyond the flying of flags, there was no demonstration at Cambridge. At the Police Court, John Siitlbon surrendered to his bail, and appeared in answer to a breach of the Customs Regulations by landing ten revolvers with intent to defraud the Customs; also to answer a breach of the Amis Act bjt importing side revolvers without being duly licensed under the Act. After hearing evidence, the Court ordered the full penalty of £IOO to be paid, and the Collector of Customs’ costa, £4. Sub-Inspector Pardy said the defendant was a new arrival, and had to suffer for the first offence. The police had no desire to press the charge under the Amis Act. His Worship said had the police persevered in it the result wauld have been three years’ penal servitude.

January 4. The bddy of Tdrtiy, a Settle xllissing at Mahuringi; has been found. The boat was discovered in the river With part df a bottle Of ruift, in it;and the body was lyirig dti the beach a few yards off. At the inquest ail open verdict was returned.