NEW ZEALAND.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2781, 21 February 1882, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND.

(Per Press Association.) Charge of libel dismissedPate a, Feb. 21. The criminal libel action brought by Sherwood against the “News” was dismissed this morning without defence being called for, the Magistrate contending that such actions should not be brought where there was a remedy by civil law. Earthquakes'Wellington, Feb 21. A. slight shock of earthquake was felt here at 6-80 this morning, and another at Napier at 8 .55 last night. The VolunteersGovernment have decided to appoint a Royal Commission to consider the present organisation of the Militia and Volunteef* Force of New Zealand, and to make suggestions as to reorganisation. The Commissioners will also revise the existing regulations of the forces. The Commissioners are Major General Davidson (Nelson), Major Pilt (Nelson), Major Hamlin (Waiuku), 'Major Lean (Christ, churgh), and Cupt. Crowe (Wellington). Marlborough Races- , vi ; Blenheim, Feb. 21. The following amounts were paid last night to owners of - winning horses at the Marlborough Races Walters, £209165; H. Redwood, £56; Eae, £3l; Dillon, £46; Ward, £2; Smith, £22 10s; H. H. Dodson, £45 ; Barry, £32; C. Redwood, £7l 14s; Carter, £5. Suicide-' Havelock, Feb. 21. Richard Taylor, of Mahakapawn, shot himself this morning with a fowling piece. His son believes the shot to be fatal. Union SteamersLyttelton, Feb. 21. Arrived—Wakatipu and Te Anau, from, the North; Wanaka, from the South, . Sailed—Te Anau, for the South. Dunedin RacesDunedin, Feb. 21. The police intend prosecuting those promoting consultations, and, also any getting up sweeps at the forthcoming races. A heavy rain this morning prevented exercise on the training ground.