TELEGRAMS

Patea Mail, 23 August 1881, Page 3

TELEGRAMS

Special and General.

AUCKLAND. August 20. A re-hearing of the charges of smuggling against Emerle and Polkinghorne resulted in their acquittal. Fifty witnesses were examined, and resulted in two men formerly imprisoned for smuggling being released. A former manager of the British Hotel has been committed for trial on a charge of indecently assaulting a little daughter of Mrs Scott. The ship Hermione brings, some of Vesey Stewart’s settlers. The police are investigating a singular case of fire-raising at Mrs Spry’s residence, Ponsonby. A bag was found burning in box under the house. It is the third attempt reported by Mrs Spry to the police within a week; DUNEDIN. SUICIDE OF AN ACTOR. August 21. Mr J. Hooper, an actor well-known, committed suicide by hanging at his residence here last evening. When the body was found life was quite extinct. It is believed the cause was destitution and low spirits, having been out of employment for several months. His wife, Miss Bessie Vivian, is at present with a dramatic company in Christchurch.

CHRISTCHURCH. August 20. At a public meeting at Lyttelton on Thursday', an association was formed for promoting the nationalisation of land in New Zealand, as advocated by Sir George Grey. NEW PLYMOUTH. August 20. Te Whiti, at a private meeting with his chiefs, disputes the Government’s right to confiscated land ou the seaward side of the road, and urges the Maoris to fence their cultivations on that land. It is likely fencing will be resumed. WELLINGTON. August 20. The third officer of the steamer Albion received serious injuries to his spine and body to-day by falling down the hold. A meeting of policy-holders in the New Zealand Life Insurance Department has resolved, “ That it is desirable and just that policy-holders should have some voice and conduct in the management of the Government Insurance and Annuities Department, .and with this end in view the Government be requested to introduce a measure to provide for the constitution of a Board of Management to be in part elected by policy-holders.” Other proposals were made, but negatived.