PROVINCIAL NEWS.

Kumara Times, Issue 2505, 1 July 1884, Page 2

PROVINCIAL NEWS.

[united press association.] Christchurch, June 30. A fifty-mile walking match in the Odd Fellows’ Hall between Mitchelson and Speight, local pedestrians, for £25 a-side, was won by the former in ten hours twenty-seven minutes, won by five. Seventy-two nominations were received for the New Zealand Waterloo cup. More nominations are expected. Donald, one of the earliest settlers, and for many years Resident Magistrate and coroner at Lyttelton, died last night, aged 68 years.” Wellington, June 30. It is understood that his Excellency Sir William Jervois has arranged to leave Wellington on the 3rd July to pay a short visit to Melbourne on business connected with the defences of Victoria. His Excellency will proceed by the s.s. Wakatipu, via Sydney, and will be absent about three weeks. Nelson, June 30. Early on Sunday morning a murderous assault was made on a man named Maher. It appears that two men named Franklin and Maher were drinking together on Saturday night, and the latter accompanied Franklin to his home where they drank a bottle of brandy. A quarrel afterwards took place, when it is supposed that Franklin split Maher’s head open with an axe, as he was found lying in Franklin’s house with a fearful gash on his left temple, about five inches long. Maher was taken to the hospital, but faint hopes are given of his recovery. Franklin was arrested, and will be brought np this morning. Franklin arrived in Nelson from Havelock some three months ago. Later. George Franklin was charged at the Police Court this morning with unlawfully wounding one William Maher with an axe with the intent to commit murder, but was remanded, and bail was refused. The injured man appears to be slightly better this morning, but he can scarcely recover.