THE “FREE LANCE” CRIMINAL LIBEL CASE.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2517, 14 April 1881, Page 2

THE “FREE LANCE” CRIMINAL LIBEL CASE.

[By Telegraph.] Auckland, April 14

In the police Court, the prosecution by W. L. Rees, solicitor, against W. D. Wickham of the “ Free Lance ” for libel, was proceeded with. G. M. Reid was the principal witness examined. He deposed that he was the agent of the Belfast immigrants referred to in the article in the “ Free Lance,” which formed the basis of the prosecution, and that Mr Rees had never been guilty of the conduct imputed to him with respect to those immigrants. He denied that Rees hadfattempted to swindle the immigrants, or had failed in his promises to them or that the j udges of the N ative Land Court had reflected on Rees. They had complimented him, and the natives had given him (Reed) assurances, that Rees was carrying out their wishes. On the termination of the evidence the accused was fully committed for trial.

J. J. Farrell, Clerk in the Railway Department, Timara, was arrested to-day-by detective Kirby on a charge of embezzling the monies of the Government. He was brought up before Mr Bclfiekl and remanded until April 21. At the. KM. Court this morning an inebriate was fined ss. William S. Waring who was arrested last evening by Detective Kirby, ou a charge of obtaining clothing and other goods by means of a forged order, from a tradesman at Geraldine was remanded on the Application of the detective until Saturday.

Le Loup has been withdrawn from the turf, having been purchased for stud purposes by Mr James Shand, butcher, of Dunedin.

The report of the officers appointed to enquire into the charges against Firth, the property tax collector at Pelorus Sound, for alleged alteration of valuation, has been received by Government, and it is understood that it declares the charges are not proved. Firth has been officially reprimanded for remaining drinking at the 'ublichouse, and also for the manner in v Sich he drew up certain statutory declarations itf’connection with the charges. We have been shown by Mr D. M, Ross, a beautiful specimen of the Ka-ka of a nearly white color. The plumage is mixed with very tints, and the bird is a strong and large o'CS, and was captured somewhere near the Gorge. As these birds are known to In? to a long age, it is probable, from the look of the specimen before us, that lie has seen AO or 50 years at least. We may state that thv/nge of birds of this description can be determiu ed with moderate accuracy by the appearance of their beak, the upper portion being marked with circular lines or notches indicating the number of years they have spent in their native wilds. Before leaving the South Island for Wellington, Herr Bandmann on Tuesday night produced •* the Merchant of Venice” at Lyttelton. He bad an enthusiastic reception from a crowded house. At the close of the piece there was loud and continued applause, in response to which Herr Bandmann, Miss Bcaudet, and others came before the curtain. Herr Bandmann took advantage of the opportunity to thank those present for the hearty support they had given himself, Miss Bcaudet and company, remarking that he looted upon so large an audience in Lyttelton as a great honour to Miss Bcaudet and himself. He had been told he could not get a house in Lyttelton for a Shakesperian performarce, but he thought different from the first, and he felt very proud indeed of the fact that the good people of Lyttelton had attended so numerously and more than justified his anticipations. Wc understand that there is eve»y likelihood of Herr Bandmann again appearing in Timaru after he has made a tour of the North Island.

A case of some interest to printers and newspaper proprietors was heard by the Christchurch Bench yesterday. Joseph Ivess summoned James Caygill for the restitution of certain printing plant that had been used in the “ Telegraph” newspaper cilice, and which was claimed by the plaintiff as his property. It consisted of a press and other articles valued at about £GO. Mr Button, who appeared for the plaintiff, explained that in this case the owner of the goods had made an arrange-

ment with Victor Clark to let him have the articles on certain conditions, reserving power to re-enter and take Possession if the stipulated payments were not made. Although the goods were only let on hire, Mr Clark had attempted to sell them. The plaintiff stated that he was the owner of the lithographic press and other goods that were the subject of the present case, and he had a certain agreement to let them to Mr Clark for £5 per month. There was a clause in the agreement which gave him power to re-enter and take possession if the rent were not pa ; d within seven days days after default. Mr Gaygill had refused to five up the goods. This evidence was supported by witnesses including Victor Clai k, and the Bench made an order either forthe restitution of the property or the payment of £(SO, and costs against defendant, £f 17s.

Two men named Hobbs and Bachelor ) were charged on remand at the Waimate . R. .M. Court to-day, with trespassing on Mr Studholnie’s land, near Waimate, m pursuit of game. The evidence showed that they had shot Ihe hare from over the hedge from the road, and that their had gone in and brought the game out m its mouth. Mr Beetham, in giving judgment explained to the defendants that they had been guilty of an actof trespass in what they had done quite as much as if tney had actually set foot themselves on the land. They were fined £5 each. A man named Childs was also fined £5 for tresspassing on the same land in pursuit of game.

To-morrow king Good Friday, the regular monthly meeting of the Ft. John’s Lodge is postponed to. Friday, April 22. Mr Moss Jonas, auctioneer, announce? that, his office, salerooms, and saleyards will he closed on Friday, Saturday, and Monday,.viz,, during the Easter holidays. On the principle of “makinghay while ~ the sun shines'”~and “ securing the shadow ®re the substance fades,” Messrs Lovevfell Wing and Co., of the Gem Photographic , Gallery, near the Railway Station, will keep their premises open during the holidays. .... Hot .cross bun eaters arc informed that Pearson’s establishment in the Great Nor'h Boad, will be open from 7to 10 a.m. on Good Friday morning. The coffee-room of the fstablisnment will remain open all day to-morrow for the convenience of visitors. Messrs J. B. Witt and Co. whose hot cross buns have an annually recurring fame in f’outh Canterbury announces that Good Friday celebrationists will, as usual, have an opportunity of supplying themselves with these delicacies by patronising his establishment, corner of Church and Sophia streets. Large orders are pouring in and an extensive bun trade is likely to keep Mr Witt’s machinery, ovens, &c.. busily employed.