SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 411, 22 August 1877, Page 2

SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

(from ovb. own correspondent.) DUNEDIN. August 22. The Guardian has a strong article on the Oaniaru Evening Mail breach of privilege case. It says that the charge made is no worse than those often made in relation to Mr. Whitaker's connection with the Piako Swamp transaction, and will not stand comparison with his unquestioned relation to the Thames big pump affair. It believes that the Mail will perpetrate no such folly as apologise ; but, conscious of the truthfulness of the charge and an honesty in the public interest in making it, will demand an inqnirv and abide by its results. The'meeting last night of those opposed to the opening of the Museum on Sundays was largely attended. A petition was adopted, asking the Governor to cause the Museum to be closed on Sundays. A petition embracing 1600 signatures goes to Wellington, asking the central authorities to retain the Fever Hospital, which the Municipal authorities close next week. Scarlet fever is on the increase in the city. At the City Police Court yesterday, John Williams, an old printer and a cripple, was charged with having no lawful means of support. Inspector Mallard stated that accused had been arrested out of purely humane motives. It was one of those.hard cases where a man after living a respectable life had to be sent to gaol because there was no other asylum for old age and frailty. The Bench agreed that the case was a j deplorable one, and regretted that there j was no other asylum but the gaol. He

be sent to the Hospital, Benevolent Institutions': was crowded; Williams was sent forgaol foe Mr. M'Keay, solicitor, statei.that he';knew* the prisoner, who, was years of age and was unfit; fot hard.Ja]Bqjcir. The Bench replied'that only.SiVc&wrtrk as Williams could undertake would be given to him to perform. At the meeting of the Waste Lands Board to-day, a petition was revived from Maerewhenua asking that run 92 might be reserved for mining purposes, in connection with run 28. Mr. Green moved that "in consequence of the opinion of the , Crown Solicitor on the Board's powers to re-lease the country now held under pastoral leases, resolution No. 15 be rescinded and the Judge's opinion be taken as to the Board's power to fix acreage rent in addition to the annual assessment. This motion was carried. The lessee of run 28 received notice that the Board had no intention of re-leasing the run. ♦- WELLINGTON. August 22. Mr. Sheehan has given notice of motion affirming the desirability of the Government obtaining all railway plant and material in the Colony, so far as is practicable, and that New Zealand coal should be used on the different railways. It is believed that a majority will favour the proposition. The debate on Mr. Woolcock's motion in reference to the incidence of taxation and the amendments in connection therewith, occupied the time of the House nearly the whole of yesterday's sitting. A large number of members have spoken on the subject, some of them two or three times. There seems to be a majority in favour of imposing a property and income tax and the lessening of duties on necessaries ; but it is questionable whether any action in that direction will be taken this session.