PROVINCIAL.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IX, Issue 22, 26 January 1874, Page 2

PROVINCIAL.

Wellington, January 26. Robert Fulton, late carpenter of the ship William Tapscott, has just obtained a verdict for £50 and costs against Captnin M'lntyre, the American Consular Agent, for the value of a chest of tools belonging to plaintiff which was taken away in the vessel, and for which Captain M'lntyre promised to become responsible. Christchurch, January 26. The first annual meeting of the New Zealand Shippings Company was held on Saturday, Mr Reeves, M.H.R., in the chair. The report and statement were deemed exceedingly satisfactory. The retiring Directors were re-elected. Dunedin, January 26. The action against the *Evening Star' libel resulted in a verdict for the plaintiff for £50. The plaintiff is Harbormaster at Dunedin, and the libel was contained in a letter in the ' Star' in which he was characterised us "Bumble" in reference to hia ordering merchants to. remove their goods as soon as landed. Several witnesses stated that the term " Bumble " was calculated to bring the plaintiff into ridicule. The defendant refused to'give up the name of the writer of the letter, ahd therefore was himself sued. The meeting of Maoris at the Heads corcluded yesterday; From the speeches it did not appear tbat they ever expected to obtain the money claimed from the General Government, but they made tbe occasion of opening a new chamber the opportunity of bringing forward the claim which had previously b 7 en disposed of by the General Assembly. The shipmasters in Port Chalmers have decided to forward a petition to the Board of Trade in London appealing against the decision of the Court of Dunedin in re the Captain of the Surat, Mr Johnstone, the engineer for the Tokomairiro district, who was thrown from his horse, has since died. During the last quarter the number of immigrants arrived at Dunedin was 644 males, and 591 females. Tbe case against the late Captain of the Surat is adjourned until Tuesday. The Columbus which leaves to-day for London carries a cargo valued at £105,000. . Leaders appear in both of the morning papers condemning in very strong terms the verdict of the jury in the case of libel against the 'Star.' Over £1000 have been collected for the Captain cf the Surat, who is now out on bail. The case will be resumed to-morrow. Auckland, January 24. Sellers: National Bank, 665; Bank of New Zealand, 17s 3d; National Insurance, 22e. Buyers: South British, 455; Caledonians, jBIO 14s; Tookey's double issue, £8 ss.