COLONIAL ITEMS.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume III, Issue 219, 4 November 1874, Page 2

COLONIAL ITEMS.

(from the angi.o-australianprhss agency)

AUCKLAND. Wednesday, October 21. After being locked up all night, the jury iu the ’Star libel case were discharged without a verdict. It is understood that eight were for not guilty,” and four for ••guilty.”

Thursday, October 22. Another serious fire broke out at the corner of Wakefield and Rutland streets at three o’clock this morning, by which eight premises were destroyed. Insurances amount to £3350.

Friday, October 23.

The leading butchers have announced a reduction in the price of meat, in consequence of the lower rates for cattle, of £3 per head, at yesterday’s sales. Sir George Grey petitions his Excellency against proposed Provincial changes. Wednesday, October 28.

It is stated by the Star that it is the intention of Sir George Grey to publish 'another paper on the constitutional position of the colony. He recommends closer union with the home country, and proposes that there should be a Secretary of State for each colony resident in London, who should be placed in direct communication with the Imperial Government on all matters affecting the colonies. GRAHAMSTOWN. Tuesday, October 27. The Queen of Beauty is expected to pay two hundred pounds per share for the fortnight. Wednesday, October 28. The Advertiser, in its Mail Summary, gives the gold, returns for the past month, which shows an increase of 1857 ounces on the previous month’s return. During the month the Manakau, Bright Smile, and Queen of Beauty mining companies paid respectively £76 and £BO in dividends. DUNEDIN' Wednesday, October 28. At a meeting of clergymen yesterday the question of Sunday funerals was considered. Eight of the city ministers will decline, except in cases of emergency, to officiate at Sunday funerals.