PROVINCIAL NEWS

Kumara Times, Issue 3057, 20 August 1886, Page 2

PROVINCIAL NEWS

[UNITED I'EESS ASSOCIATION.] Christchukch, August 19. At the Lyttelton Magistrate's Court this morning Kate Kelly was committed for trial, charged with the manslaughter of her husband, Thomas Kelly. At, a meeting of the shareholder of the Rod Hill (Big B.y) Mineral Company, held to-night, a report was received from Mr Durw >,d, who huts

charge of a prospecting party, and Dr. Hector, who analysed the specimens. The former does not give a very encouraging account of the prospects of the district as a goldfield, and the latter had not found any gold by his analysis. Among the specimens were asbestos and chromic iron. Dr. Hector arrived at the conclusion that the character and prospects of the district were analgous to the Dun Mountain mineral belt, lying to the east of Blind Bay, Nelson. The shareholders resolved to hold another meeting to consider the desirableness of further prospecting the Big Bay district. Wellington, August 18. The man Agnew, who with his wife, has been haunting the Parliamentary precincts all the session, was arrested this afternoon for using threatening language to the Premier and other members. Some time ago the pair were forbidden to enter the grounds, and since then have always stood, wet or dry, at one of the gates. Latterly a policeman has been stationed to watch them, as it was rumoured Agnew bad been trying to purchase a revolver. August 19. Wm. Agnew, charged at the Police Court with aunoying the Premier, was bound over to keep the peace for three months in one surety of £25. As he declined to find the surety he was committed to gaol. Gisborne, August 18. The following telegram has been foand io a drawer of the looking-glass in the room where Mr G. Johnston shot himself:—"Mr M'Rae, Auckland. Captain Johnston shot himself dead this morning Open 'etter." This was under cover to Mr Booth, R.M., with instructions to forward it. A shilling for payment of the message was enclosed. It was known that deceased sent a letter Mr M'Rae, contemplating suicide. A long rambling statement was also found among his papers, in which deceased dwelt upon family troubles. Dunedin, August 19. The weather is clearing, rain having ceased since early morning. The floods in the cellars have subsided fully one foot. The damage will considerably exceed £IO,OOO. It is reported that the telegraph station at Greytown (Taieri) is washed away. Owing to the heavy sea on the bar, the s.s Waihora is unable to leave. Later. Fully half-a-mile of the permanent way near Greytown south has been carried away. The line in several places is under- water. If the slips which are threatening occur it will be a week before traffic is resumed. The embankment at Riverside, breaking, saved Outram. Christchurch, August 19. The rain ceased about 11 last night. The weather is now clearing, no import* t damage being done by the floods, except to the Little River Railway portion which was washed away, and will take a week to repair. At Eyreton, North Canterbury, 2000 acres are reported to be under water in consequence of the overflow of the Eyre River. Thames, August 19. George' Harcourfc, legal manager: of several mining companies, and Deputy Assignee in Bankruptcy, left the Thames somewhat abruptly on the 10th inst, and suspicions being aroused that he left Auckland by the Rotomahana for Sydney, a warrant was issued for his arrest on the charge of the embezzlement of £75 of the funds of the new Eureka Gold-Mining Company. The police have just received a cablegram stating that he has been arrested by the Syduey police, and remanded to the 24th inst. Detective Doolan will proceed to bring the accused back to the Thames. Harcourt's books are said to be in a most unsatisfactory state.