TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5346, 16 May 1878, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

(PER PRESS AGENCY,) Christchurch, Wednesday, At the Resident Magistrate's Court this morning, James Woodford, an elderly man, and third master of the East Christchurch , School, was committed for trial on a charge of committing a criminal assault upon a girl, ten years of age, who attended the school. The evidence appears very conclusive. At the termination of the case the mother of the girl, in a very* excited state, made her way into Court and threatened to kill Woodford. Dunedin, Wednesday. At a meeting of the Otago Institute last night Mr. Purnell read a paper advocating the co-operation of New Zealand and the Australian colonies in', fitting out an Antartio exploring expedition. It scarcely led to any discussion, and it was pointed out that while little advantage could be expected from such an undertaking, there were several difficulties to prevent its success.

A house belonging to Mr. Wilson, of the Well Park Brewery, was destroyed by, fire this morning. j At a public meeting last night it was resolved to establish in Dunedin an institution! having for its objects the mutual and moral advancement of those who are disinclined to take part in any sectarian association. Mr. Wilson’s house at Well Park was burned down this morning. The house, with the furniture, &c., was insured in the Standard for ;£ISOO and in the South British for £BOO. Mr. Wilson estimates his loss' at above these sums. Lyttelton, Wednesday. . Constable David Devine fell down dead at the police barracks here- to-day. The supposed cause of death is rupture of a blood vessel. The deceased has been stationed here for some time, and was much respected. Invercargill, Wednesday.. A meeting was held last night to consider the question of harbor defences. It was resolved that the Government be requested to provide a suitable number of guns for the defence of Bluff Harbor and Waihopai Estuary. Hokitika, Wednesday. Unprecedented weather has prevailed here for some weeks.! For the last four days there has been a perfect with heavy rain, and there is no sign of abatement. The steamer Waipara broke her shaft at Okarita, and a new shaft is being sent overland. Shipping and other business is suspended owing to the weather.

Alexandra, Wednesday. Now that the excitement of the Premier and Mr. Sheehan’s visit is over, the settlers are seriously considering the results, and are asking what return the Kingites will give to Sir George Grey’s -propositions. Withregard to Rewi’s meeting with Ministers on Sunday the result is not very clear., Rewi simply said he would not interfere. This by his own people is" meant to say he had nothing to do with Tawhiao’s meeting, and felt himself free to pursue his own course of action. Auckland, Wednesday. , Mr. Sheehan and party received a hearty welcome from the , natives at Tamahere. ,Tawhiao’s sen and forty of the Volunteer Cavalry accompanied the party. The Maoris cheered the cavalry. The disputed land question between the Ngatiraukawa and Ngatihaua has been referred to the Land Court, which will sit on the 22ud iust. - Tawhiao’s sou and Te Ngakau will he entertained at a ball at Hamilton to-night, to which 300 are invited. ,