LATEST TELEGRAMS

Kumara Times, Issue 1061, 24 February 1880, Page 2

LATEST TELEGRAMS

[united press association.]

Wellington, February 23,

Upwards of 200 men applied to the relieving officer this morning. About 20 married men were taken on, and it is expected that others will be employed shortly. A deputation waited on the Premier this morning, urging the necessity bf at once proceeding with the formation of the Wellington and Fox ton railway. Tile Premier replied that the Government were doing all in their power to alleviate the distress prevalent in the city, but there was only £3OOO available for expenditure on the Wellington and Fox bon railway. However, there was the sum of £9OOO set aside for

rolling stock, which he thought might be expended in the 'construction of tho permanent way. He could not give any definite information until the Milliter of 'Public Works rethrned from the south.

In firing for Messrs Collet ahd Co.’s, Cup, Bandu s .an Dixon, oif the Naval Brigade, out of a possible GO. While at practice on Saturdkyj the Artillery dismounted and mounted their guns in 61 seconds. '

February 24. The New South Wales aiid Queensland Governments unite with 'oit rs in protesting against the importation of French conVicts. The three AgentGenerals will make remonstrance. 3

A public meeting was convened by the Maybr last night, at which was appointed a committee to carry out the purposes of an Irish Distress “Fond.

Gisborne, February 19. The ’first'day’s racing of the annual races took place to-day. The jockey Thompson, who rode Sylvia in the County Stakes, and Rolls, who rode Mama in the. Maiden Plate, were both disqualified from , ever riding again. In the .latter ease the owner ,bas been allowed a week to show whether or .not he was a party iij the swindle. The horses were pulled by the jockeys iii in the most open manner.

. ..February 24. Then? is considerable excitement about the ,oil springs, A member of the firm of Clarke Bros., Melbourne, and Fleming, a representative of Canada at the Melbourne Exhibitiop, who is an oil expert, have visited the spring. Fleming says the indications are equal to anything in America. Ite believes it is probable that a company with a capital of £60,000 could be floated to work the oil; and preparations are to be immediately commenced. - Auckland, February 20. Intelligence received from Norfolk Island is to the effect that the island is at present parsing through a phase of religious mania unparalleled in the history of the . community., Crowded meetings are nightly held, and an extraordinary change is working auiongit the people. Cook, charged with embezzlement of the Oddfellows’ fuhds, whs remanded. Timaru, February Id. There was only a small attendance at the public Meeting called to-night re Irish Relief Fund. A committee was app anted to canvass for subscriptions. The Citholitis l in TitUhrh have alreadysubscribed about £BO. Those in Tern uka £l3O, and the Waiulate people about £326.

Arrangements have been completed for a number of direct grain Vessels from Timarn to London this season. • - February 23. A man named James Munro diec} in the hospital yesterday, from the effects of injuries received on Saturday While blasting rock. The charge Went off too soon, terribly mutilating him; He was a single man. At the inquest today, a verdict of accidental death was returned.

Westport, February 23. Al the District Court, Wm. Stewart whs indicted for unlawfully wounding He pleaded not guilty. Mr Bickerton Fisher, the prisoner’s counsel, moved to quash the indictment on the grounds that it was not signed by a Crown Prosecutor legally " appointed fop that purpose. It appears that the District Court of Westland was constituted by a proclamation published in . the New Zealand Gazette of 15th July, 1875, and the same Gazette contains a notice, dated the ,12fch July, that the Government had then appointed Mr S. M. South as Crown Prosecutor for the Districfc'Courts. Mr Fisher argued that the indictment must be signed by a Crown Prosecutor appointed tb a constituted District Court, arid that Mi‘ South’s appointment havirig bebn made on the 12th to a District Coilrt which had no existence until the 15tli July, it was bad. It was further argued that the Governor’s letters patent barred his exercise of the prerogative of appointing' officers to such as are necessary for the service of the Colony, and that Mr South’s appointment was not necessary, unless his office existed when his appointment was made. Judge Weston said that if Mr Fisher’s contention was sound,, the consequence would be that all indictments filed in the Court since its. constitution were bad. Mr Wisher said the Court had nothing to dp with the consequences, and pressed-for judgment. The Judge refused to |rant the indictment, but expressed great doubt, and signified his willingness to reserve the point to facilitate subsequent proceedings. The difficulty, as far case is concerned, was got over by the jury acquitting the prisoner, but the inconof the judgment has caused great uneasiness, because if Mr Fisher’s objection is good, the Judge’s appointment time as South’s

is tad also, and everything, both civil and , criminal, done by the , District 'Courts at Hokitika, Greyinouth, Reef'ton and Westport during the Ikfet 'five years is worthless.