INTERPROVINCIAL.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 247, 18 October 1877, Page 2

INTERPROVINCIAL.

[PRESS AGENCY.] Wellington, Wednesday. In the assault case, Hislop v. James Mackay, the Bench sentenced defendant to seven days' imprisonment Avithout hard labor. A petition is being drawn up to get Mr. Mackay released. The town will be cauvassed for signatures. Many think the sentence unnecessarily severe. Telegraphic communication with Port Darwin has beeu interrupted since the 15th. Thursday The hon Colonel Whitmore was sworn in to-day as a Minister, He will lead in the Upper House. The very strongest indignation is expressed about town this morning at Mr Mackay's sentence. A committee of six was formed last night who are getting signatures to a' petition for his release to-day all over the town. Another copy is being numerous'y signed at a bookseller's in the centre of the town. The Times this morning strongly condemns the action of the Bench of Justices, and we know that the Post to-night will do the same. Sailed-— Murray afc noon for Picton aud Nelson. Passengers: Mr Vivian, and three in the steerage. Ashburton, Thursday. The foundation stone of a new Wesleyan Church here was laid on Tuesday by Alfred Saunders, Esq There was a large and successful soiree in the evening. A meeting was held last night in the Library HaU re the Indian Famine Relief Fund, convened by the clergy. £60 was subscribed in the room. Dunedin, Thursday. Thomas Roaths, a groom, has been charged wifch setting fire to the Crown Hotel stables at Balclutha, and committed for trial. The prisoner sought to make out that he was instigated by Dunn, of the Newmarket Hotel, to burn the stables, and was promised £50 to do so. This was denied on behalf of Dunn. The Morning Herald is to be published about the Ist of November. In addressing the jury for the prosecution yesterday in Proudfoot's case, Mr. Denniston spoke of Dr. Murphy as an infamous gobetweeu, and said that he must be condemned by every respectable man and woman. His Honor said that, to pufc the most charitable interpretation on Dr Murphy's conduct, he had been guilty of extraordinary blundering for a professional man. The jury were locked up all nighfc, and at ten this morning said there was no chance of their agreeing. They were sent back to their room to see if tbey could not come to an unanimous decision. Christchurcit, Thursday. The collections for the Indian Famine reach over £800. Great preparations are being made for the Muff cricket match in aid of the fund, on Tuesday, and there will be a special benefit performance at both the theatres in the evening. It Is reported that the Rev. E. Carlyon will not retract or confess the error of his teaching in the matter recently condemned by the Bench of Bishops, but intends leaving 1 .aiapoi. Yesterday some of the residents, on the part of the Cure, presented him with an address and a purse of sovereigns. The Acclimatisation Society has decided to import a number of fallow deer. William Wilson, seedsman, and ex-Mayor, who figured badly some time ago in "the Supreme Court in a case brought against him for misconduct as trustee in Turner's estate, was charged in the Magistrate's Court this morning with assauliing his wife and threatening her life. He was separated from her a few months ago and went to her house yesterday in a state of intoxication, and when she refused to shake hands he violently assaulted her, and threatened to take he life. A constable was called in, and Wilson was given into custody. The Bench ordered him to find sureties for £1000 to keep the peace for 12 months.