NEW ZEALAND.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2114, 31 December 1879, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND.

[Per “Times” Special Wire.] A. low ruffian. Auckland, Dec. 31.—A man named Peter Smith, a busbman, was discovered last night by Capt. Fanpibar indecently assaulting a little girl at Freeman’s bay. The Capt. thrashed the scoundrel, who escaped. The detectives have since identified a prisoner arrested for drunkenness as the offender, from the descrip tion given. Fatal accident. A son of William Robinson, “ Herald ” reporter, four years of age, fell off the parapet of a garden wall, and died in a few hours from suffusion of the brain. A Missionary missing:. Abraham Tovey, of Mahurangi, a missionary, is believed to be drowned. His boat and hat have been found. Tbe Police and Father Chinlquy. Superintendent Thompson, in accordance with instructions from Wellington, interviewed Chiniquy’s reception committee, for the purpose of pointing out the responsibility they undertake in adopting any steps that are likely to disturb the public peace. He also acquainted them that he was charged with a similar mission to the leaders of the opposite party. Mr Daldy (Chairman of Committee), replied to Superintendent Thompson that they were well aware of the responsibility they incurred and were perfectly willing to accept the consequences. The question was put to Thompson as to whether he anticipated any disturbances, and he replied that so far as his information at present extended, he had no reason to think they would occur.

An Electric Row. Wellington, Dec. 31. —The Native Minister has gone to Wanganui, hut will return in a few days. It is currently reported that a general strike of the principal telegraph opera-

tors will take place in the chief towns of the colony on Jan. 2. Vital Statistics. The births during December here were 106, deaths 38, marriages 25. For the year, births 1,323, deaths 487. Destruction of Valuable Records. Waveeley, Dec 31. —Winchcombe’s commission agent’s office was burnt down at one o’clock this morning. The Liberary, Highway, and Town Board’s books were destroyed. The property was uninsured. Ship Ashore. Duxedix, Dec. 31. —News has been received from Port Chalmers that a three masted schooner supposed to be the Ada Urswoll from New York is ashore at WicklifEe bay. A Juvenile Incendiary. Invercargill, Dec. 31.—At the Police Court, yesterday, Lachlan Reynolds, a boy of 16 years of age, was committed for trial for setting fire to a barn. Accused was admitted to bail. Railway mismanagement. At a meeting of the Town Council, attention was drawn to the insufficient number of railway passenger carriages and enquiries were ordered to be made with a view to remedying the evil.