TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4378, 1 April 1875, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

[Per Press Agency.] Auckland, Wednesday. Chief-Justice Arney this afternoon took leave of the Bench and the Bar. Mr. Whitaker, on behalf of himself and his colleagues, made a short farewell speech, in which he expatiated upon the patient and impartial consideration which his Honor had always bestowed upon the cases brought before him, and the courtesy he had always extended to the legal profession. They were sincerely sorry to lose him. At the same time he trusted that he would live long, and enjoy the ease in retirement that he had so merited. His Honor responded in a speech replete with feeling. He thanked the Bar for their kind expression of good-will, and said time and increasing years rendered it impossible for him to discharge the duties of his office satisfactorily. He spoke encouragingly to the young members of the Bar, and said the time would come when the Bar would lead in the land. Nelson, Wednesday. The case against the two individuals who were charged with taking away flags from the late encampment has been heard and dismissed, the Bench reprimanding the defendants. Waimate, Wednesday. At the coroner’s inquest, this afternoon, a verdict of manslaughter was returned against Thornes Hardy for having accelerated the death of his wife, who was in consumption, by a blow. Hokitika, Wednesday. The first day’s races commenced yesterday. It was a beautiful day 1000 people were on the ground. Westland Cup, 200 sovs.—Guy Fawkes, 1 ; Yatterina, 2. Four horses started. Borough Handicap, 40 sovs.—Guy Fawkes, 1 ; Kingfisher, 2. Only two started, the winner coming in easily. The Hurdle Race fell through, as there were only two entries. This was the second day of the races. The weather was fine, and there was a large attendance, For the Racing Club’s Handicap two started—Guy Fawkes, 7st. 71b.; and Yatterina, 7st. It was a splendid race throughout, Yatterina winning by two lengths. The betting was even. For the Hurdle Handicap two started, Tommy Dodd and Magenta. Tommy Dodd took the lead, winning easily. The betting was two to one on Tommy Dodd. For the Stewards’ Cup, Guy Fawkes and Yatteriha were again the only competitors. It was a splendid race throughout, and very fast, Yatterina winning. The betting was even at starting. The riding of French was much admired. Dunedin, Wednesday. At the Supreme Court this morning the members of the Bar, numbering thirty-two, met to present an address to Judge Chapman, on his retirement from the Bench. Mr. Geo. Cooke, assessor, the senior ' member, addressed his Honor, alluding to his long services and connection for the second time of eleven years with the Supreme Court. He stated that he felt that the Bar and the public would be deprived of an able and experienced and courteous Judge, who had their best wishes as an individual, and in his domestic relations. Ho hoped ho would long be spared to enjoy the rest and repose he so well deserves. His Honor, in replying, was much affected, and stated that he was deeply moved with the expressions of kindly feeling which had fallen from Mr. Cooke. He had had a tenure of office of nineteen years in the province, and eleven years in the Otago district. He arrived in New Zealand in 1833, when there was very little work for a judge. There had been a few little disagreeablenesses, no doubt, between himself and the Bar, but he trusted they were as quickly forgotten as they were hastily made. He thought the show of wigs and gowns before him spoke well for the increasing growth of tho province. He concluded by stating that he thought that would be the last time ho should meet them as Judge Chapman. He hoped, however, many times to enjoy their company as Mr. Chapman. Tho water supply is getting alarmingly low. Captain Ross, of the City of Dunedin, was charged with assaulting his steward, and was fined 20s. and costs. Judge Gray is still very ill at Lawrence, and cannot travel. The new session of Parliament will open with a comparative novelty, namely, a compact, organised, and powerful Opposition.

Pout Chai.meus, Wednesday, A.shocking accidpnt happened at 10.30 a.in,, by which a mail named George Smith, who was engaged removing the , face of an embankment, was! crushed.to death. > His bowels are protruding, and ibis legs almost -severed from his body. 'The deceased,was married, and leaves seven children. Westport, Wednesday. A Maori nam ; ed Matthew Keope was drowned yesterday in the Buller Kiver. He was paddling a canoe, missed his stroke, and fell overboard. The body was recovered yesterday. Christchurch, Wednesday. Mr. Justice Gresson sat for the last time as Judge of the Supreme Court this morning. Mr. Justice Williams and twenty-two members of the Bar were present. Mr. Duncan, the Crown Prosecutor and President of the Canterbury Law Society, presented a farewell address, speaking very oulogistidally of his Honor’s conduct on the bench, and of the urbanity which he invariably displayed to the members of the Bar practising before him. His Honor, who was very much affected, replied at length, detailing the circumstances leading to his retirement, remarking that it was not compatible with the independence of Judges of the Supreme Court for them to be subject to removal by the Ministry when and as often as such Ministry pleases. A fire occurred at the stables of the Devonshire Arms Hotel yesterday afternoon. Fortunately the calm weather and the smartness of the fire brigade prevented the flames from spreading. The damages are estimated at £IOO. Insurance, £4O iu South British.