LAST NIGHT’S WIRES.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 52, 29 January 1884, Page 2

LAST NIGHT’S WIRES.

[Per United Press Association.] Wellington, Jan. 28. At the Wesleyan Conference to-day the third and final reading of Ministerial Appointments took place, the work of the Stationing Committee being accepted without altering, The following are the weights declared by Mr. J. O. Evett for the first day of the Wellington Summer meeting . Flying Stakes Welcome Jack, 9st. 91b.; Mischief, 9st. 71b.; Salvage, Bst. 91b.; Sir George, 7st. 121 b.; Minerva, 7st. 61b.; King, ask, 7st, 21b.; Witiora, 6st. 61b.; Consul, Ost. 51b. • Orlando, 6st. Handicap Hurdles :—Clarence, 12st. 41b.; Hercules, list. 71b.; Loch Lomond, 10st. 81b.: Orient, 9st. 71b.; Scrutineer, 9st. 51b.; Liability, 9st.

Stewards’ Handicap :—Welcome Jack, Ost 91b.; Mischief, 9st. 51b.; Salvage, Bst. 101 b.; Vanguard, Bst. 81b.; Leonata, Bst. 51b.; Tim Whiffier, Bst. 21b.; Sir George, 7st. 121 b.; Libeller, 7st. 81b.; Minerva, 7st. 61b.; Poet, 7st. 81b.; Normanby, 7st.; Administrator, 6st. 71b.; Briar, 6st. Reference was made at the Supremo Court to-day to the civil suit Brandon v. Shaw, which had been held over, in the hope that it would be settled out of Court. Mr. Chapman mentioned that parties were exceedingly anxious to settle the matter, but, unfortunately, it was necessary that the case should proceed to trial. Mr. Justice Richmond remarked that, from what he knew of the case, he did not think he should try it without a jury if he could help it. He was altogether against doing so, and, if he had power to declare, as he rather thought he bad, he should order a trial by jury. It was, he added, entirely opposed to his good will that cases of libel, slander, malicious prosecution, breach of promise of marriage, and so on, should be tried without a jury; not that it was agreed that a jury was the best means of ascertaining the truth—no one was disposed to think that; but it was the best means of giving confidence to the people in regard to the administration of justice, while it also preserved the Bench from a load of odium which it would be utterly unable to bear in a free country. The verdicts of the juries were soon forgotten, but the decisions of Judges remained and were remembered for years. After looking over the rules, his Honor said he thought that, this being a case which would necessarily affect personal character profoundly, he had the power to order

it to bo tried before a jury, but he would enquire further, and the matter could be mentioned to him again to-morrow. Oamaku, Jan, 28, The Captain of the Salvation Army was assaulted at the door of the barracks last night, just before the service commenced, by six or seven young roughs, with whom there had been ill-feeling for some time. One was arrested, Christchurch, Jan. 28. Yesterday afternoon the private house of Salvatore Lezza, confectioner, was destroyed by fire. The house was situated in Kilmorc Street East, near the Town Belt. It was insured in the Victoria office for £3OO, and the stock, furniture, plant, &c., in the same

office for £7OO. It is nearly a total loss. The adjoining house (Harvey’s) was damaged to the extent of about £2O. It is insured for £2OO in the London Liverpool and Globe. Lezza has been arrested on a charge of arson, When arrested he had on him two receipts for insurance premium and £2l in cash, The annual meeting of the Canterbury Female Refuge was held to-day, the Primate in the chair. The report showed the income, including subscriptions, £194, and the Government subsidy £248, was £789 t and the expenditure £775. In the refuge there were 23 inmates during the year, and nine remaining ; in the reformatory fourteen during the year an five remaining. Auckland, Jan. 28. In recognition of his excellent bowling in the recent interprovincial cricket-match between Canterbury and Auckland, Mr ( W. Lankham has been presented by the cricketers of Auckland with a bat, handsomely inscribed on a silver plate. Mr, W. L. Rees, an old local cricketer, made the presentation. A dead body was found lying on the beach at the bluff at Manakau and identified as Frederick Dunkley, late of Tasmania. The deceased had been staying at Short’s, Mangere, and was, it is stated, in a poor state mentally and physically. William Henry Jones, manager of the Onehunga Ironworks, has been committed for trial for the attempted murder of John McDermott.

The increase of the city assessment this year is £20,000, giving an increase of rates of £2OOO. The residence of Victor Longuet, Mount Albert, was burned down this morning, It was insured for £250 in the Colonial, Sir George Grey and Messrs Dargaville and Moss, M.H.R.’s, will address a public meeting at the Choral Hall to-morrow evening, under the auspices of the Eight Hours’ Demonstration Committee. Dunedin, Jan. 28. Heavy rain has fallen all day, and the weather is very cold here, There are no signs of improvement this evening. The Tasmanian cricketers arrived this evening. The match with Otago begins on Friday.