PROVINCIAL NEWS.

Kumara Times, Issue 3159, 18 December 1886, Page 2

PROVINCIAL NEWS.

[united press association.!

Wellington, December 16

A. A. S. Menteath, M.H.R. for Inangahua, left for Nelson this evening en route for Reefton, where he intends commencing a aeries of addresses to bis constituents.

To-day's Gazette notifies the acceptance of the Hokitika and Greymonth ' Rifle Cadets.

A youth, named John Mawhuray, was brought to the Masterton hospital yesterday, from the Mangahoa special settlement, sufferitig from concussion of the brain, and fracture of both thighs and one leg below the knee, caused by the fulling of a tree.

Wanganui, December 16. Messrs Kennedy Bros., owners of the s.s. S*. Kilda, have made a claim for £4O on the Harbour Board for a loss alleged to have occurred from two days' detention here, caused by the screw of the steamer foaling with a rope. The Board is not like y to entertain the claim for a moment. The harbourmuster is preparing a report to show that the Board was in no way responsible for the accident.

Christchurch, December 16

A man was found dead in the domain this morning. There was a pawn ticket in his pocket made out to T. Allen, and there was an empty brandy bot'le by his side. Some carpenters' tools were also found by him.

December 17,

John Lewis Coster, M.H.R. for Heatlicofce, died this afternoon, after ti long illness. He was formerly Manager ( ,f the Bank of New Zealand here, and was the 6rst Chairman of the New Zealand Shipping Company in 1873. In 1881 he became Managing Director of the Company, and held that position till a few months ago.

WEST COAST COURT SITTINGS, Wellington, December 16.

To-day's Gozette notifies that the sittings in lieu of those previously fixed shall take place as follow : For civil and criminal business in the Courthouse, Westport, on 14th February, 18th Ap.il, 23rd June, 25th August, and 3rd November. For civil and criminal business—in the Courthouse, Reefton, on 17th February, 21st April, 27th June, 29th August, and 7th November. l'i>r civil and criminal business—in the Courthouse, Grey mouth, on 21st February, 25th April, 30th June, Ist September, and 10th Novemher. For civil and criminal business in the Courthouse, Hokitik*, on 24th February, 28th April, 4th July, sth September, and 14th November.

AN INTERRUPTED DUEL. Wellington, December 15. A duel which two Italians had arranged to fight at Newton was interrupted by the police. The principals iti the projected hostile meeting were named Perotti and Gamonossi. The latter was a suitor for the hand of Perotti's daughter, but his attentions are obnoxious to the young lady's father. It is supposed that in spite of the parental objections Gamonossi has been pressing his suit with the fair Perotti, and hence the present troubles. Knives were to be the weapons used, and Island Bay was the spot selected for the combat. Perotti, is said to hare provided two knives, but a hitch then occurred in the arrangements, for Gamonoasi distrusting his intended foe, and being anxious to ensure himself fair play, insisted upon a witness being found. Matters stood thus when Constable May appeared on the scene, but Perotti had by this time made himself scarce, and has so far kept out of view of the guardians of the peace. In order to prevent bloodshed when the men meet, Constables Stunrr. and May aio keepiug Gamonossi under aurveillauce.

THE CAIN POISONING CASE.

Timaru, December 17,

Thomas Hall was again brought up before the R.M. this morning, but as the Supreme Court was sitting the prisoner was taken into the Grand Jury room.

Mr White said he had closed his case, and

Mr Perry, for the defence, said he would call some evidence. The Clerk then read over the usual question, and Mr Perry replied on behalf of the prisoner " I say nothing." Mr Perry then called— Professor Black, who said—l received the substance for analysis in four bottles from Dr. Ogston about 7.45 p.m. on Tuesday, September 28tb, in my own laboratory. Dr. Ogston,Dr, Hogg, and myself tested the bottles and the soil, for nothing but antimony. In consultation between us we resolved not to look for organic poisons, owing to the lapse of time since Captain Cain's death. We did not analyse any individual solid separately. The tests showed only very small quantities of antimony, but decidedly such as to allow of no doubt that antimony was present. His Worship said the prisoner would be committed to take his trial at the next sittings of the Supreme Court at Christchurch.

It is understood that Perry is going to apply for a change of venue to Oamaru.