TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5093, 20 July 1877, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

(PER PRESS AGENCY.) Napier, Thursday. The taking of the evidence in the libel case Russell v. Waha Maori commenced this morning before Mr. Saiusbury. The plaintiff is represented by I\lr. AVilsoa (of Napier), and Bell (of Wellington). The defendants by Dr. Buller (of AVellington), and J. Carlile (of Napier). Of course no reporters are admitted, and so far the nature of the evidence taken has not transpired. Arihi (Alice) was the only witness examined to-day, and her, evidence is not concluded. It is expected to be a very prolonged affair. Wanganui, Thursday. The contract for the Waneanui town railway was signed this morning. The successful tenderer is AViiliam Rowe, of Turakiua ; amount, ■£4336. Grbyjiouth, Thursday. A young man named Patrick Riddau, a shoemaker, attempted to commit suicide last evening, by jumping from the wharf into the river. He would have been drowned had not the Harbormaster, Captain Allardyce, in the most plucky manner jumped after him and kept him up until a boat arrived. The man was drunk. Nelson, Thursday. Isaac Harvey and Charles Turner, living at suburban north, were each sentenced to twelve months for perjury. AViiliam Harvey was remanded until the next sitting of the District Court. Dunedin, Thursday. A determined attempt to suppress gambling in the city is about to be made by the police, they having received instructions for that purpose. Calcutta sweeps in public-houses are understood to come within the meaning of the word “ gambling.” Christchurch, Thursday. The system of selling tickets on the railway trains has been established here. Nineteen travelling ticket sellers have been appointed. The working hours of clerical employes on the railways, previously from 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.ra., have been altered to from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. No extra pay. Mr. Moorhouso, M.H.R., addresses his constituents to-night. The buildings and plant of the Canterbury Spinning and Weaving Company, now being wound up, were sold by auction to-day. The Hon. J. T. Peacock was the purchaser for the sum of £7OOO. Balclciha, Thursday. An inquest was held to-day by Dr. Smith and a jury as to the fire at Stoney Creek on Monday morning. The hotel had been unoccupied since March last. There was no evidence as to the origin of the fire. An open verdict was returned. The house was insured in the New Zealand office for £2OO.