LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Kumara Times, Issue 1104, 14 April 1880, Page 2

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

[UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Christciiurch, April 12. The case of Bracken v. Dan-ell will be carried on, though it cannot now be heard lor some months. Bracken writes to the newspapers accusing the " bungliug lawyers of misconducting is case.

At the inquest on the body of a man killed on the railway yesterday, a verdict of "Accidental death" was returned, with a rider to the effect that the jury considered there was not sufficient protection for passengers ou the platform, and that there should be a lower bar. The deceased's name was Walter Clark, and he had been staffsergeant and tailor of the 7th Regt. tie was a single man, and 38 years old.

April 12. The Herald's Taupo correspondent telegraphs that the Murimotu difficulty has assumed a new phase, which makes it probable that Kemp aud Topia will ultimately come to blows unless the Government iuterveue iu time to pour oil on the troubled water. Kemp was preparing to withdraw from his pah in the bush in compliance with an urgent solicitation of his friends of the Wanganni River, when a letter was read from Topia Torua which completely altered the complexion. The letter which was addressed to the Ngatiwhiti and Ngatihana, contained much figurative 1 language, and concluded with an assurance that he would come over to Murimotu " if the flood rose high enough " The Ngatihana interpret this expression to mean that the old chief would only come over if the difficulty should assume a more serious character. Major Kemp, however, to whom the contents of the letters were conveyed by a native clergyman, the Rev. Henare Herekau, constructed the language otherwise. The reverend gentleman, who had come up ostensibly as peace-maker, agreed with Kemp that what the writer meant by the " rising of the flood"was the assembling, of "the inlaud tribes,, »~i 'that' he intended to ccelb over with au "ope" at his back. The practical outcome of this was that Kemp resolved to stay and despatch emissaries to the Wanganui River to " wero wero" (or challenge according to Maori custom) the various friendly settlements from nearly every village. There were a few volunteers, aud a contingent of 65 armed men came out to join the Ngatihangi. Major Kemp now expresses his determination to hold the country till the Land Court sits to adjudicate on the title on the great Rangipo block. This will probably be in July or August. It is very doubtful, however, whether Major Topia will tolerate the continued presence of an armed force in the very heart of his country, and the position of parties is becoming, more critical everyday. Tapia has left Taupo for Murimotu. This complication, however, will not affect the Europeans who have leased the land in dispute. Major Kemp promised Dr Buller some time siuce that he would not prevent the passage of wool from the stations of Messrs Moorhouse and others, and his promise has been faithfully observed. The quarrel is one entirely confiued to the Natives, though doubtless it is unpleasant for Europeans there. Neither they nor their property are menaced. The bar recently formed across the harbor still remains, but there is a channel with 11 feet of water. It is proposed to run out a groin at an angle of 45 degrees from the present works. Dr Hector, in passing through here yesterday, denied that there was any truth in the report that New South Wales had offered him an appointment. If it is offered, he will refuse is.