PROVINCIAL NEWS.

Kumara Times, Issue 2310, 23 January 1884, Page 2

PROVINCIAL NEWS.

[new ZEALAND PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, Tannery 22. The s.s. Napier, which went ashore at Rangitikei, has been floated off, and, after temporary repairs, will come on here.

Dunedin, January 21. The second trial of Wm. Pearce, for the murder of the woman Hancock, was held to-day before Judge Williams and a jury. The same witnesses were examined. The prisoner was again defended by D. M. Stuart. The jury retired at 4.36 p.m., and after an hour returned with a verdict of “ Guilty,” accompanied by a strong recommendation to mercy. His Honor said that he would forward the recommendation to the advisers of the Crown, and passed sentence of death on the prisoner.

DISASTROUS GALE AT COOK’S ISLANDS. Auckland, January 22. The cutter Daphne, arrived from Rarotonga, bringing tidings of a most disastrous gale there, causing the wreck of the Auckland steamers Agnes Bell, Atlantic, and Makea Ariki, with the loss of seven lives. There has been a fearful amount of damage to property. The drowned are—Captain W. Munn and John Anderson (mate of the Agnes Bell); Captain Ayers, John Gates (mate of the Patrick Duncan); the steward of the Makea Ariki; with Stanley Heather, brother of A. Heather, merchant, Auckland. All the vessels were owned by Donald and Edinborough, of Auckland. The insurances are—Agnes Bell, £2,300 in the New Zealand Office ; re-insured in the Mutual £300; South British £500; Union, £SOO. Cargo—United, £350. Makea Ariki—hull, New Zealand, £IOOO ; corgo, £SOO. Atlantic—hull, New Zealand, £800; re-insurance, South British, £2OO. Cargo—New Zealand, £9OO ; re-insured in the Colonial for £3OO.