INTERPROVINCIAL.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIV, Issue 165, 12 July 1879, Page 2

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Orkbs aoemot.] Wbllisgton, Friday night. The Supreme Court has been occupied all day over Mrs Phillips' arson case, which is gtill going on. The Chief Justice to-night commented on the Government offering a reward for evidence which would lead to the conviction of any person committing arson, and aaid it was a most objectionable and unheard of proceeding to offer a reward before a crime was committed. Every arrangement is being made to strengthen the apartments in which the Maoris are imprisoned, in order to prevent an escape, of which, owing to their unsubordwate conduct yesterday there is some fear. There are now as many prisoners as there are Constabulary to guard them. The Chronicle says the Government policy will be fore-shadowed in the viceregal speech. J™' 6 * 1 , 1 , I ]** Readjustment of Representation Bill founded partly on population, and partly on general expediency ; a new Electoral Bill providing for two f ranchises! all existing franchise being abolished ; probably an income tax at the rate of sixpence in the pound, incomes up to £150 exceptedand a progressive Land Tax. ' It is understood that the Premier will make bis financial statement in about a fortnight. Mr Brandon addressed his constituents and received a vote of thanks. He pronounced himself strongly opposed to the general policy of the Government.

_, _, Saturday. Mrs Phillips charged with arson was acquitted this morning, the case lasting till after two o'clock. The jury were deliberating only a few minutes. The court was crowded all night. In consequence of the , acquittal of the prisoner the Crown Prose- , color offered no evidence against Alphonso Bosh, charged with perjury, and a nolle pmiapU will be entered.

The Government has ordered the removal of stores and ammunition from the East Coast outlying districts to Napier. A private letter from Westport says, that in the eveut of a dissolution Dr Henry will be opposed by Mr Munro. The Tramway Company is iv difficulty, as owing to the aubsiJiug of the track it is impossible to keep on the crown of the road without raising the whole track which would be a very expensive operation. The Corporation have called the attention of the Company to the matter. There was a heavy fall of snow last night on the hills surrounding Wellington. An interesting experimental trip was made yesterday under the superintendence of Messrs. Conyers aud Lawson, between Wellington and Featherston with a uew singleboiler Fairlie engine drawing a heavy traia of about eighty tons, consisting of eight full loaded waggons up the gradieuts aud round the curves which abouud on the line. A speed of 45 miles an hour was attained but where the line was pretty straight and laid with 521 b rails, the speed was 50 to 52 miles an hour. Owing to the rain and the want of sandboxes the train was stuck up at the steepest pinch and a couple of waggons had to bo detached. The 35 miles from the Rimutaka summit to Wellington occupied just an hour. It is reported in the lobbies of the House and partially verified, that there will be six candidates for the Chairmanship of Committees, namely, Messrs Bryce, Kelly, Seymour, Thomson. Hamlin, and Bunny. The Government will display no preference for any candidate. It is expected that Mr Bryce will decline to stand on account of ill health, and it is considered that Mr Seymour or Mr Thompson would have the best chance of election, but the support promised to Mr Bunny is so considerable that it is feared the votes may be so split up between Messrs Seymour and Thompson that Mr Bunny may slip in, and the friends of both candidates are now discussing the propriety of drawing lots for one or the other to retire, so as to concentrate their strength and defeat Mr Bunny. The Ministerialists will strongly support Mr Thomson. Neither Mr Thomson nor Mr Oliver will accept office in the Ministry. The Government will be vigorously attacked on the Native policy in the addresses in reply. Blenheim, Saturday. The case of Earll against Doherty was dismissed. Other proceedings are threatened on both sides. Christcuurch, Saturday. Charles Physick, for knocking Gear down in a public house and breaking his leg, was fined j£6 or one month's imprisonment. Acckland, Saturday. A 12 roomed house in Hobson street has been destroyed by fire. It was insured for £100. Dampier's shop adjoining was gutted; insured for £500 in the Standard, and £300 in the Union. Dampier's stock was only damaged by water and removal. Le Senr was sentenced to seven years for arson and falsely accusing two other men of burning Mr Barton's house in the Waikato.