TELEGRAMS

Patea Mail, Volume VI, Issue 534, 17 June 1880, Page 3

TELEGRAMS

TO THE “ MAIL." NEW GOLD RUSH. Napier, Wednesday. People are flocking hither from all quarters, attracted bj' reported gold discoveries. The facts so far as ascertained are not sufficient to justify speculation. Gold bearing quartz is found over a large area, but there has been no test made to ascertain the actual quantity 7 of gold in tbestonei although there is sufficient to encourage prospecting.

STICKING-UP IN CANTERBURY. Christchurch, Wednesday. Two sticking-up cases arc said to have occurred in the vicinit}” of Christchurch on Sunday last. 111 C FUSING LICENSES. Christchurch, Wednesday. The Licensing Court 10-day refused to grant any new licenses, in view of tiie propablc passing ot a new Act. Several well known publicans were put off till Tuesday week, in consequence of various charges pending. Great interest is centred in Barrett’s application for a renewal of the Borough Hotel, in consequence of the part he was said to have taken in Boxing, day riots. After a great deal of evidence had been taken as to his participation or otherwise, the license was renewed, on condition of its transference to a suitable person. BANKING TRIAL. Timaru, Wednesday. The Supreme Court to-day has been taken up with the case of National Bank v. Mclntosh, a claim to recover £2,000 for non-fulfilment of guarantee. The defence is that Mr Stevens, the Manager of the Bank, induced the defendant to sign a guarantee on behalf of John King, al* though the manager knew the latter to be hopelessly involved at the time. POISONED. Dunedin, Wednesday. A man was found dead just ousidc the Colonial Bank last evening. He is identified as Wm. England, surveyor, aged 50. Beside him was found a bottle containing oxalic acid.

SCENE IN COURT. Napier, 15th. An extraordinary scene took place in the Supreme Court this morning, when John Boyd, alias Hutchin, was brought up on a charge of obstructing the railway traffic. He pleaded guilty, butwhen asked if be had any thing to say, he launched into the most horrible profanity and filthy language, swearing at Judge Richmond, the gaoler, and the police. His Honor remarked that the man must be mad. Then with a string of oaths, Boyd declared that it was his Honor who was mad, and not himself. He was sentenced to fifteen years penal servitude, his Honor remarking that he was either a dangerous lunatic or a criminal of the worst class. . ILLEGAL RATING. Christchurch, 15th. The legality of the last rate levied by the Drainage Board is to bo tested in the District Court; the ground of objection is understood to be the improper keeping of the Board’s accounts. JUDGE IN A FIX. Napier. Wednesday. A curious difficulty occurred in connection with the sitting of the Supreme Court. When the Grand Jury had nearly finished, it transpired that there were twenty-four jurymen. The law declares that there shall not be less than twelve nor more than twenty-three. The discovery of one too many nonplussed Judge Richmond, who remarked that he had no precedent to guide him, no such event having occurred in the colony.. It was at last decided that the last gentleman called was not a juryman at all. This “ legal fiction” would get them out of the fix. But it then transpired that Mr Farmer, the last called, had been. chosen as foreman, and the foreman certainly could not be discharged. The Grand Jury were allowed at last to depart till Friday, when all will attend.

STORM DAMAGE. Auckland, 15th. In the late storm at Onehunga, a large iron shed belonging to Guthrie and Larnach was completely blown down. In Queen-street considerable damage was done to property. BEER TAXING AGITATION. Blenheim, 15th. At a meeting of the Blenheim brewers and publicans last night, it was resolved to send a deputation to Wellington to meet delegates from other places to take steps for the repeal of the Beer Tax. An offer by Mr Dodson, local brewer, to pay half the tax and the publicans the other half, until the bill had been entered on the Statue Book, the price of beer to remain as at present, has been accepted. Wellington, 15th. A deputation of publicans ro tha bee r tax waited on the City members this afternoon.