NEW ZEALAND.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2090, 3 December 1879, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND.

[Per “Times” Special Wire.] AUCKLAND, Dec. 3. J. C. Frith, it is stated, has made rather large land purchases at Alatamata. At the half-yearly meeting of the Auckland Building and Investment Society the report showed receipts, £1423 ; cash in hand, £lßl. At the first award of prizes to the pupils of the Free School of Art founded by Dr Campbell, three young ladies carried oil (he prizes. The inquiry into the stranding of the barque Alildrcd, is being conducted with closed doors. Evidence will be forwarded from Wellington. The Myrtle has arrived from the Fijis, bringing the intelligence that the charge of manslaughter against the Bev. George Brown was dismissed, the Attorney-General having retired from the prosecution.

[FROM OUR OWN CORRESI’OXDKXT.] AUCKLAND, Dec. 3. The Ovahin from Fiji, brings intelligence that the charge of manslaughter preferred against the Her. G. Brown is withdrawn, the High Commissioner considering that after the reports received from the commander of the men, the case was not one for a criminal prosecution. A man named Patrick Boyle, sou of a settler at Papakaura, was killed this morning by a fall of earth at Dempsen’s reclamation works. The deceased leaves three children. The place was said to be dangerous, and the men have knocked off work. WELLINGTON, Dec. 3. A serious accident occurred last evening. A horse while being taken out for exercise bolted and knocked down two young children named Hoskings, one escaped with slight injury but the other is in a critical condition. F. J. Thomson a respectable looking young man was charged this morning on three separate charges of passing valvcless cheques, and was committed for trial. BLENHEIM, Dec. 3. Yesterday a boat-shed belonging to Henry Happcr was burnt down, and tools, pitch, oakum and dressed timber were destroyed. It is supposed the fire was caused by a live coal being brought in under the glue pot. The premises were insured m the National for £IOO.

HAWEEA, Dec. 3,

Mr J. C. Moore, chemist, died very suddenly last night at ten o’clock. He was not feeling well, and about five o’clock he took a soothing draught, probably chloral, after which he sank into a state of coma. Ho was in excellent spirits during the day, and had been preparing to open the debate that evening at the Debating Club, of which he was an enthusiastic member. He was highly respected, aud a universal favorite professionally and privately. He leaves a wife but no children. YEW PLYMOUTH, Dec. 3. A strong feeling exists here against the Government handing live thousand acres of the public estate to the Titanic Steel Company, aud a resolution was passed at a public meeting last night to urge the Government and House before complying with the demands of the company to ascertain whether the provisions of the Taranaki Iron Smelting Act, 1871, have been honestly complied with. Some doubt is expressed as to whether the company ever had the actual capital required by section G really available for the purposes- to promote which the grant was promised.

CHRISTCHURCH, Dec. 3

The present pheasant hatching season in (he districts round Christchurch have been earlier than last year, and more successful than for some years past. At Papanui, Riccarton, Styx, and Eeudaltown, numerous clutches of 15, and in two instances of 18 chickens, have been, seen. The Californian quail have also done well at Fcndaltown, and the English partridge at Sandhills, several clutches of eleven chickens having left their nests. Hares have bred well all round lately. They will be very numerous next season.