LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Kumara Times, Issue 1409, 7 April 1881, Page 2

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

[NEW ZEALAND PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, April 6. A cable message received from San Francisco to-day states the delay to the mail steamer was caused by the breaking of the crank-pin four days after the steamer left Auckland. Edward Bertram Benji, aged eleven months, was accidentally scalded to death in the Mungaroa Valley yesterday. While the mother was undressing the child before the fire, he suddenly sprang from her arms, and in the. fall the kettle was capsized, and the contents fell over the infant, who died twelve hours later. At the inquest a verdict of accidental death was retut ned. Bishop Redwo6d returned to-day from his visit to Borne. He was accorded a hearty reception On landing. It is believed that Edward Gar ton, of the Wellington South Pacific Loan Society, has absconded. It appears that this Society is an association of working men, who club together to in vest their savings, each paying small sums weekly, and the money is then invested at the market rate of interest. About a fortnight ago the accounts were duly audited, and discrepancies were found to exist. The matter was then placed in the hands of a professional auditor, who reports that there is a deficit of from .£2OO to .£3OO. Garton who was up country at the time, was communicated with, and he replied that he would put things on his return, which was to have been on Monday last. He did not return, and a rumor gained currency that he decamped by the steamer Norfolk to Sydney, on Thursday last. Matters have been placed iu the hands of the police. CfiRISTCHURCH, April 6. In the Supreme Court this morning, Gibson was acquitted of the murder of Rerison on the ground of insanity. Dr Hacon, medical superintendent of Sunnyside Asylom, and Dr Somes, both gave testimony to the effect that he was not in his right senses; and another witness recapitulated acts of the man which had led him to believe he was not in his right mind. The Crown Prosecutor said that in the face of such medical evidence he would not go on with the case, and the jury at once returned a verdict of acquittal. Gibson will be confined in Addingtou gaol till the pleasure of the Colonial Secretary is known. Dunedin, April 5. At a meeting of the committee of the Dunedin Jockey Club to-night, letters were read from the Hon. W. Robinson and H. P. Lance, relative to the scratching of Natator for the Forhurv Handicap. The. explanations are considered unsatisfactory, and piopositions for disqualification were also made ; but the matter being considered of great importance, and only five members being

present, ifc was decided to adjourn to Wednesday week. The Gray Hill Station, South Canterbury, was sold to-day to Captain Baldwin for £16,000. The property consists of 47,000 acres leasehold, 1000 acres freehold, and 20,000 sheep. A Queenstown telegram says that the Chinese rush up to the Dart is extending, and about 50 men are now engaged. They state there is room for 500 more. They make good wages, averaging from £3 to £i per man per week. Benjamin Bennet, for robbery in a jewellery shop was sentenced to six years' imprisonment. BalceuTHa, April 5. A Fatal accident occurred last night at the bridge through the breaking of the chain used to keep the cylinder in position while sinkings John Russell, an unmarried man, a workman, was thrown from the plank into the river and drowned. Ths body has not been recovered.