TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5218, 12 December 1877, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

(ipEE PEESS AGENCY). Auckland, Tuesday. The Star states authoritatively that the rumors of Mr.' Rees’ intended acceptance of the non-political Attorney-Generalship or District Judgeship is a pure fabrication. He thought of resigning owing to his Parliamentary attentions interfering with his professional duties, as the object of his going into Parliament, has been achieved ; but he .was persuaded byfrieucls to consult his coustitu: cuts first, which he intends doing. A,meeting of cricketers last night accepted the Canterbury challenge, and appointed a managing committee. _ . A public meeting has been convened to arrange for the reception of Sir George Grey. Napiee, Tuesday. The Supreme Court sat till nearly eleven o’clock last night, and disposed of six cases, in one only of which did the prisoner plead guilty. The last case tried last night was that of Rose Mullins, for larceny of a baby’s robe. She was acquitted. This morning the following sentences were wassed:—Richard Winter, forgery, 18 months ; William Geary, breaking windows at the Union Bank, six months ; Michael Boonay, for indecent assault on a little girl, nine months. To Hau, for assault ou a constable, 12 months, and for prison-breaking 12 months, the sentences to run concurrently. To-day: James McGregor was convicted of rape on Lucy Payne, a woman of about 50 years, and was also convicted of an unnatural offence. The trial of James McMillan for larceny of cheques and money as a bailee has not yet concluded. Gisborne, Tuesday. Captain Morris addressed the electors of Gisborne last night in the Masonic Hall. The building was crowded to excess ; the Mayor iii the chair. In the course of his remarks, ■ Captain Morris expressed himself opposed to

triennial Parliaments, as it would lead to the government of the colony all being placed in the hands of political adventurers, or devolving on the wealthy classes. He explained generally his action in Parliament as the representative of the district. Provincialism and the insular separation movement he considered the curse of the colony, and these underlay the policy of Sir George Grey. As to the present Government, he was surprised and delighted at the native policy enunciated in the House by Mr. Sheeha-n, and he 'would give his undivided support to that policy—that, however, was the utmost lie' could say in favor of the Grey Government. He denounced Sir George Grey’s policy as one of constant obstruction to public business by talking against time. Sir George Grey was endeavoring to raise himself on the false cry of “ the working man.” It was Sir George Grey's desire so to alter the distribution of: seats as to place the representation of the colony in the large centres of population, and virtually to exclude the country districts. He (Captain Morris) then went on to refer to the probable policy of the Atkinson party next session, a noteable feature of which would be a redistribution of seats. Other anticipated alterations were a change in the incidence of taxation, simplification of local government, and the accession of additional power to local bodies in the direction of local taxation. After referring at some length to local matters and answering many questions, a vote of confidence in Captain Morris was proposed ; an amendment to the contrary was moved, but only two hands were held up in its favor out of about 400 present, who voted for the confidence motion.

New Plymouth, Tuesday. The programme of the_ Taranaki Jockey Club races is published. Amount of stakes, £545. The following are the chief events : Maiden Plate, 40sovs.; Cup, 60sovs.; Jockey Club Handicap, 150sovs.; Champagne Stakes, for two-year-olds, 4050v,5.; Handicap. Hurdle, ,50sovs.; Autumn Handicap, lOOsovs.; Harbor Stakes, 40sovs.; Railway Plate, SOsovs.; Consolation Stakes, 20sovs. Mr. T. King has resigned the managership of the New Zealand Bank here and retires. He has been connected with the bank since it first opened, and is one of its oldest officers. F. Ronald has been appointed manager. ‘ Grbymodth, Tuesday.

The Eev. Charles Clark finished his series of seven lectures last night, which have been a great success. On Sunday he preached to the largest audience ever assembled at Greymouth. A collection was made in aid of the hospital, and £3O received. He leaves for Westport and Nelson to-day. ... . Christchurch, Tuesday. The Opera Company achieved a great success, having had crowded houses every night. The contemplated visit of. a cricket team to, Auckland was arranged privately, not by trie Canterbury Cricket Association, and the intention of the team is to have the match regarded as a private one, not as an interproviucial match. A great many regard this as a mistake, and it is yet hoped the match will be arranged on an interprovincial basis. Steps are being taken to present a testimonial to Police Inspector Feast, recently removed to Greymouth. ■ The Rev. Father Henuebery, Catholic missionary priest, is now conducting services in the northern part of the province with the same success as in Christchurch. Timaru, Tuesday. :. The public meeting which was held. last evening in the interests of the Good Templar cause was a great success; .'.All the grand delegates from the Southern . districts were present in the Odd Fellows’ Hall, which was crammed, and many were unable to get in. ;The Hon. Mr. Fox was present, and made a telling speech, as did also Mr. Jago, the Grand Master, who presided. The session commenced to-day, and is still sitting. , Dunedin, Tuesday. . The Suez mail was delivered in town this morning. The water-supply question was discussed in the Council last night in a wordy war and adjourned till to-night. The Grocers’ Association have determined to discontinue Christmas box gifts. De Lias has engaged Levy for a season in Auckland, commencing 18th January.