TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5219, 13 December 1877, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

(per press aobnov). Auckland, Wednesday. A narrow escape from fire occurred in Queen-street. The ashes from the steam-box in the yard of Messsrs. Henderson and Spraggon blazed out, and the wind blew the ashes about. The fire was extinguished without damage. The Auckland Timber Company is being floated to acquire forests and mills. Hohlship and Co. take possession at the beginning of the new year. The Bello Brandon, schooner, from the Islands, reports an attack by natives on Capt. Ohlsou and party at Kaoka. Captain R 'binson, late owner of the Jessie Henderson, narrowly escaped death by being struck by some natives on the back with a tomahawk. The friendly natives interfered to prevent, a general massacre. The cause of the attack is unknown. It is believed to have arisen from jealousy at Captain Robinson’s intention to take away a European trader. At a public meeting held to-day, a large and influential committee was appointed to prepare a suitable reception to Sir George Grey and the Auckland members who supported him. Napier, Wednesday. The reception committee have made arrangements to receive Sir George Grey, Sheehan, and Macandrew in great style. A procession will be formed in Olive-square and proceed, headed by a baud, to the Spit, where they will receive Sir George Grey and other Ministers on landing, and conduct them to a carriage which will bo drawn by six grey horses. The procession will return to Napier by Shakspere road, and after going through the principal streets, congregate in Olive-square, where an address will be presented to Sir George Grey besides.

The Maoris will treat Sir George Grey to a display of hakas, war dances, &c., on landing. It is expected Sir George Grey will address a public meeting in the evening. In the Supremo Court this morning, James

.McGregor, for rape, was sentenced to seven years ; and 'for an unnatural crime, to ten years, the sentences to be cumulative. James McMillan, who was convicted last night of larceny as a bailee, got nine months. Robert Edwards, a half-caste, charged with the larceny of a cheque, was acquitted. Bene Matua, also charged with the larceny of a cheque, was acquitted. Donnelly's case, for horsestealing, commences to-morrow morning. Dunedin, Wednesday. There are now 260 children in the Industrial School.

A public meeting on the water supply is called for Wednesday. Timaru, Wednesday.

The criminal session of the Supreme Court opened to-day before his Honor Justice Johnston. Prior to proceedings commencing, the Judge spoke to Mr. White, the Crown Prosecutor, regarding the libel case Ward v. Ball, proprietor of the South Canterbury Times, and complained that no depositions were before him. The Crown Prosecutor replied that none were taken in the lower Court by the magistrate, he having only tendered as evidence the affidavit filed in the Supreme Court as to Ball being proprietor of the paper named, and also copies of the South Canterbury Times of September 12 and October 15, which was sufficient. The Judge said the proceedings were irregular, as the magistrate should not commit without hearing evidence. Towards the close of the day the Grand Jury asked the Judge’s advice regarding the indictment. The Judge said ho could offer none, not having any depositions. He then explained the law of libel. The Grand Jury again came into Court, saying they did not know, what to do with the case. The Judge left it to their consideration till Friday, at 10 a.m. True bills were found against all the prisoners, except Sandford, for arson. William Harper, for obtaining money under false pretences, got twelve mouths’ hard labor ; Abraham Prentice, for burglary at Pleasant Point, was acquitted ; William Bay, for stealing from the person, was fouud guilty, and sentence deferred till to-morrow ; Charles Wells, for the larceny of two blind rollers, as there was a previous conviction, got two years' hard labor; Tagwood, for larceny as a bailee, got two years’ hard labor. The Court then adjourned till 10 o’clock to-morrow morning. The Grand Lodge of New Zealand South Good Templars continued their labors to-day regarding the union of the two Grand Lodges of New Zealand, and decided to defer the question till next annual. session. It was re- ■ solved to send a. Grand Officer to the annual session of New Zealand North, to be held at Wellington next month. .