TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5706, 14 July 1879, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

(PER PRESS AGENCV.) Auckland, Saturday. The body of Mr. Austen, who died suddenly on Monday at Pokeno, 37 miles from Auckland, and was the subject of an inquest on Tuesday, at which a verdict of death from heart disease was returned by the jury, is still kept by friends, owing to its remarkably lifelike appearance. They have used blankets, with the object of trying to restore warmth. There is little doubt, however, that death really took place on the day stated, and as the relatives are convinced of this, they will probably bury the body to-morrow. It is stated that one of the accused, placed on trial at the Supreme Court this week, who had before been held in high esteem as an honest, industrious member of the community, felt the disgrace of the charge against him so keenly that before surrendering to his bail he had provided himself with a packet of strych nine. It is not customary to search prisoners out on bail until they are convicted, but this is done immediately after removal from the dock. It was the firm resolution of the unhappy man in this case to have swallowed the potent poison the moment the verdict was returned, and the quantity was so large that its operation must have almost been instantaneous. Happily, he was spared further trial, and restored to a better frame of mind by the declaration of his complete innocence, arrived at by twelve of his countrymen after a careful consideration of the evidence.

A fire broke out at 2 o’clock this morning in a twelve-roomed building, Hobson street, owned by Gleesou, publican, and rented by a laborer named Long, whose wife is a milliner and dressmaker. The fire began in an empty room at the back. All the contents of the building were destroyed. It was insured for £IOO Dampier’s shop, adjoining, was gutted, but though the burning building was a mass of flames the fire brigade got such a force of water on that it battered out xhe fire. Dampier is insured for £SOO in the Standard and £3OO in the Union. Tho damage to Dampier’s stock was only such as was done by removal and water. An itinerant musician named Maurice Bradshaw, alias “ Whistling Dick,” attempted to commit suicide this morning. He jumped from the Queen-street Wharf, but subsequently repented, and endeavored to swim ashore. By the assistance of a constable he reached the place in safety, but in a v ry exhausted state. He was afterwards looked np on a charge of drunkenness. Later news has been received from Samoa by the arrival of the schooner Ovalau. With regard to the reports relative to the native war, it having been reported that the Government party were going up one day, ostensibly to pay a visit to Lackawanna, but in reality to retake possession of Muliuu Point, the Malatea party were immediately on the gut vive, and in a very short space of time there were upwards of 400 men on the point, fully armed and equipped as a guard to the king. Should the Government party attempt to retake possession of the point, they will receive a warm reception, and the internecine war which has been so long dreaded will commence at once. Christchurch, Sunday.

The anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne was. celebrated by a dinner. The usual toasts and speeches were made. A man named Devan is reported to have been drowned in the Waiau.

Mr. Wybert Reeve appeared on Saturday night at the Theatre Royal. The opening piece was “ All for Her.” There was a good house, and the piece was a great success. George Darrell opened at the Gaiety with Trump Card.” The piece was favorably received, and there was a capital house. Charles Physiok, for knocking Gear down in a public-house and breaking his leg, was fined £6, or one month’s imprisonment. Dunedin, Saturday.

Eight insolvents, mostly small estates, filed this week. The exceptions are John McNeil, commission agent, Balclutha, no particulars given ; Markdale, Tokomairiro, liabilities £1646.

The Good Templars expect 2500 signatures to their petitions for the amendment of the licensing laws.

At the City Court to-day, Alexander Richards was committed for trial for cattle stealing. Tfie office of railway paymaster at Dunedin has been abolished.

TIMARU, Sunday.

The following acceptances for the Timaru Steeplechase, which takes place on Wednesday next, were received last night:—Tally-ho Handicap—Noumea, Erin-go-Bragh, Ivauhoe, Loyalty, Lone Hand (Muir’s), Silverstream, Ada, Royalty, Black Prince, and Agent. Timaru Cup—Loyalty, Lone Hand, Deceiver, Pakeha, and Agent. Maiden Plate—Noumai, Deceiver, and Nellie. A Mrs. Cluffy died suddenly at the annual Orange ball on Friday night, causing the gaieties to be at once closed. The medical examination showed heart disease to be the cause of death. FOXTON, Saturday. The starting of the Sandon railway scheme is temporarily delayed, owing to a technical error. It is stated that four single Fairlie engines are to be placed shortly on the Foxton-Wanga-nui line. The natives are pushing on with the inland road between Otakiand Foxton. When finished it will open up some splendid country. The Foxton Harbor Board hold a special meeting shortly, to consider the best means to secure an endowment Probably the matter will come before Parliament. The Board are also now pressing on the Government the desirability of increased wharf accommodation, and the deviation of the railway line from Main-street to the wharf.