TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1365, 14 July 1885, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

Mr Napier does not intend to apply for a writ of habeas corpus in the St. Louis murder case, and Maxwell will therefore be sent back to America in the next mail steamer. The detectives are now preparing the necessary formalities. A handsomely illuminated and highly complimentary address from {he rate- ! payers, together with a purse of sovereigns, was presented to the Mayor of Wanganui, Mr Spurdle, on Friday night. The object was to recoup him any loss sustained in connection with the late proceedings for a breach of law in doing some work for the corporation, and to give him the public support with the view of prvinp; that they had no sympathy with an entirely uncalled for prosecution. The tender of Robertson and Co., of Wellington, has been accepted for building and completely fioishing a screw steel steamer for the Defence Department. A number of sections of the steamer are at present in Dunedin, but are to be brought up to Wellington. It is currently reported that the prices p;iid by thu Union Company to Captain Williams for the Black Diamond fleet of steamers and sailing vessels and the owner's interest in the Koranui Coal Mine is £BI,OOO, of which £4o*ooo is taken in the Union Company's shares. The half-yearly report of the Colonial Bank shows the profitß for that term as £17,718. A dividend of 7 per cent, is declared, £IOOO added to the reserve fund, and £2718 carried forward. The meeting takes place on the 29th. Th« Auckland Harbor Board are discusRing the> advisability of providing more wharf and shed accommodation.

A native girl aged thirteen, earned Tangi Rautaiirangi, has herself at Hokianga.

The Kauri gum fltores, North Waiic, are being closed owing to over supply and the Home markets being over stocked. £2O a ton ii quoted,

At the Canterbury United District meeting of Foresters in Christchurch on Saturday, it was resolved to write to Sir Julius Vogel, as Member for Christchurch North, liking bim to amend the Friendly Societies Act so as to make it compulsory on all Societies having a central body to become branches of that body. It was decided to forward a circular to all Foresters' Courts ia the colony pointing out the desirability of a uniform scale of payments and benefits. The Star understands that it is contemplated by three principal iron factories in Dunedin, if Mr Bradsb&w'e clause is passed, to dismisj from their employ all young persons under 18 yetirs. One reason is that whereas under the prenent arrangements the Saturday is made up by «11 hands working an extra h»lf hour on Monday, under the clause that arrangement is impossible. The Supreme Court, Christchurcb, was occupied all Friday with the second charge against Ernest Rowland Davis, who was accused of administering laudanum to a young woman named Elizabeth Essey with intent to enable him to commit a felonious aaßault upon her. The prisoner conducted his own case with considerable smartness, He cross-examined the witnesses at great length, and took voluminous notes of the evidence. He displayed great self-assurance, and frequent insolence in, his demeanor before the Court. Mr Justice Johnston allowed him much latitude, but frequently had to caution him to conduct himself with decency. The young woman, who was a member of the Salvation Army, was employed by Davis an a canvasser for his National Sick and ; Burial Society. He was courting her, and it is stated administered the potion in a cup of cocoa which he induced her to take in his honse. He made promises of marriage to her, and she remained with him for'five days after the alleged commission of the offence. The case was continued till after 11 p.m. on Friday, when the Court adjourned till .10 a.m. on Saturday. The evidence concluded at 3 p.m. when prisoner was found guilty. He called several witnesses for the defence, but utterly failed to dispute the charge. He was sentenced to ten years' penal servitude on this case, and five years for forgery, mukiog fifteen years in all. When sentenced he broke down entirely, and cried bittterly. There was a disposition to biflß him when removed from the dock. The charge of false pretences against him was withdrawn.