TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4302, 5 January 1875, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

[Press Telegraph Agency.] Auckland, Monday. The Chief Justice, in charging the Grand Jury, referring to the case of Cecilia Allen accused of arson, said it was impossible in a small community to make special provision for a reformatory, and suggested that one or two should be established for the colony. He did not consider the calendar a formidable one. He spoke in eulogistic terms of the management of the Auckland gaol. The Customs’ revenue for the year 1874 was £221,130 ; for 1873 it was £l94,lß3—increase, £26,947. Thompson, Quick’s manager, who attempted to abscond, pleaded guilty of embezzlement today, and was recommended to mercy on account of his previous good conduct and his family. Sentence was deferred. Grahamstown, Monday. George Black, C. 8., assumes charge of the Pumping Association works to-day, Mr. Errington having resigned for the purpose of taking charge of the Auckland waterworks construction. Napier, Monday. The Customs’ revenue at Napier for the past year was £43,398 11s., as against £33,101 11s. 9d. for the previous year. The William Cundell, the first wool ship of the season, sails for London direct tomorrow. There was wet weather for the New Year’s holiday. Great complaints are made of the railway train being started before the time, and leaving persons behind. Some had to walk from PakiPaki to Hastings (six miles) in consequence. The General Government Agent has been communicated with on the subject. The nominations for the Municipality take place next Eriday. The names are to be sent in by Thursday. So far no public announcement has been made by intending candidates. The matter is taken very quietly. The Hawke's Say Times ceased publication with the Now Year. Nelson, Monday. The Supreme Court opened to-day with a very light calendar. The Judge, in charging the Grand Jury, remarked upon his approaching departure from the district, and congratulated the province on the general lightness of the calendar, saying that if this lasted the colony would have cause to congratulate itself on the character of the immigrants. The Grand Jury made a presentment, expressive of regret at the Judge’s departure, to which he made a feeling reply. Christchurch, Monday. The criminal sessions of the Supreme Court opened this morning. The calendar was very short. His Honor Judge Gresson, in his charge, said that was the last time he should preside in that court, as he had received a communication from the Colonial Secretary stating that the Nelson district had been assigned to him, and wishing him, if possible, to bo there by the middle of the month. The Grand Jury made a presentment, expressing their sense of the impartial, dignified, and courteous manner in which Judge Gresson had discharged his duties during the period of eighteen years, and regret at his retirement. They also expressed a hope that his connection with the province would not cease. Alexander Eraser, for larceny as a bailee, was sentenced to two years' imprisonment ;

Andrew MoGuinness, for robbery from the: person, to eighteen months ; Wm. Dinner and Alex. Clark, for indecent assault, were found guilty, but sentence was deferred. Lyttelton, Monday. The Magellan Cloud, from the Chatham Islands, reports that no observations were obtained by the Transit party. Dunedin, Monday. The sailors of the Taranaki struck on Saturday, on the ground that their articles had expired, and they refused to sign fresh v. ones at the reduced rate of wages of £8 per mouth. The Jane Cowan, which arrived yesterday, made the passage out in seventy days. Shi; brings three Catholic ministers and four sister* of mercy. His Honor Judge Chapman in opening the Supreme Court to-day, congratulated the Grand Jury on the lightness of the calendar. Nearly all the cases on the record were of offences against property. The Grand Jury threw out the bill against Mary Moreeombe, who was charged with attempted suicide. Thomas Green, found guilty of forgery, wan sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, Samuel Gibson, for larceny as a bailee, was sentenced to imprisonment for eighteen months, and for fraud to another year. The Court then adjourned till next day. The Oamaru and Dunedin cricket match resulted in a draw, Oamaru being unable to complete the first innings in consequence of the weather. Five common and six special jury cases are set down for hearing at the civil sittings of the Court. Gheymouth, Monday. A man named Edward Murphy has been drowned while attempting to ford the river a mile above the township. He leaves a wife and five children. AUCKLAND RACES.—SECOND DAY. Auckland, Monday. There was a moderate attendance of people on the course to-day. For the Free Handicap four horses started. Parawhenua led all the way round and won. Yatterina was second ; The Belle third, and Never Miss fourth. It is feared that the accident to Rang! on Saturday will unfit her for ever racing again. The Handicap Steeplechase was won by Rarey, with Moose second. Arrow, Highflyer, and Darkie, also ran. The Town Plate was won by- Templeton, with Ngaro second. Another account says that in the Free Handicap The Belle was first favorite. Parawhenua won by eight lengths. In the Handicap Steeplechase Rarey threw his rider at the first stone wall, but was quickly remounted. Moose took the side fence, and dismounted his rider, who had to turn back. Rarey now had the race his own way, and won by halt-a-mile, with Moose second. The others did not go round.