PROVINCIAL NEWS

Kumara Times, Issue 2556, 1 September 1884, Page 2

PROVINCIAL NEWS

[united press association.] Napier, August 30. Robert M‘Lachlan, railway engine driver, cut bis throat this morning. The wound is not fatal. The neighbours were alarmed by his family and sent for medical assistance. Three doctors arrived at the scene, and having sewed the man’s throat up he was conveyed to the Hospital, where he lies in a precarious state. In his pocket a paper was found, on which was written an appeal to the Benevolent Asylum to care for his children, and stating that be was driven to commit the deed by the fact of his life being rendered miserable by the conduct of his wife. Christchurch, August 30. The following telegram, signed by six of Mr E. Wakefield's supporters, was sent to that gentleman yesterday : “In joining Major Atkinson we think you have made a most unholy alliance, and hope your Ministerial death will be sudden and complete.” Thos. Robertson, traveller for Mason and Struthers, was to-day committed for trial on a charge of the embezzlement of £2B, and stealing saddlery valued at £lB.

Invercargill, August 28. An inquiry was held to-day into the wreck of the brigantine Augusta at New River Heads last Sunday. The vessel was bound to Invercargill from Newcastle, with coals. Captain Clare,

Pilot, said that owing to being shorthanded he had to take a man away from the signal station, and in consequence of this the semaphore arm was accidentlly dropped the wrong way by one of his children while the pilot boat was getting out to the ship, thus causing the mischief. The Court stated the evidence would be forwarded to Wellington, and expressed the opinion that no blame attached to the Captain or Pilot. Nelson, August 29. A human scull and some bones have been discovered on Bird Island on the Waimea sands. It appears that they must have been there a long time, and apparently no clue is possible. August 31. The result of testing 20 tons of copper ore from the United Company’s mine at Aniseed Valley has been received from Newcastle. It gave 13 per cent, of copper, which is considered highly satisfactory, the ore not having undergone any dressing previous to its being sent for testing.