Southern Telegrams.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 70, 29 December 1871, Page 3

Southern Telegrams.

Wellington, Dec. 19. It is understood that an arrangement has been completed with Mr Brogden, although no actual contract will be made until the completion of the surveys. Then Mr Brogden either tenders or falls back on Contract No. 2. In either case, certain lines will be proceeded with on a guaranteed per centage. Napier, Dec. 15. The telegraph department has commenced to stretch a wire along the present posts between this and Tauranga, preparatory to completing communication with Auckland.—December 18 : At a meeting held by Ropata, at Euatahuna, tlic Urewera chiefs agreed to become responsible to the Government for the good conduct of the whole of their people. They also agreed that if they found Tc Kooti they would surrender him. Some of Captain Prceee’s Arawas, while out scouting recently, lost themselves for a few daj’s. Makarini found them and put them on the right track.—December 21 : Kereopa’s trial commenced to-day, the Attorney - General conducting the prosecution. In charging the Grand Jury liis Honour Mr Justice Johnston said that abundant evidence appeared in the depositions to prove the prisoner guilty as an accessory before the fact, a position which in the present state of the law was the same as that of a principal in tlie crime. The first, witness examined was Captain Levy, who said lie saw Kercopa and and others escorting Mr Vclkuer to the place of execution. He then saw a number of Maoris mount a willow tree with a rope and pulley. Kercopa directed them where to fix these, and then he saw Mr Volkner hanging, and the Maoris hoisting him un and down. — Kercopa asked Levy, “Am I the same as I was then ?” Levy replied, “ I could readily identify you, though in some points you are altered.” Two other witnesses were examined, and their evidence was strongly against the prisoner. —December 22: Kereopa’s trial was concluded last night. At 7.15 liis Honour began to sum up. He said there was no doubt about the corpus delicti, or the fact of (he murder. The only question was whether Kercopa was responsible for it, and Captain Levy’s evidence alone seemed sufficient to bring the guilt home to the prisoner. The jury retired at 8.32 p.in., and after 10 minutes’ consultation returned a verdict of guilty of murder. His Honour passed sentence of death, with the usual comments. Tlie prisoner passed a sleepless night. Christchurch, Dee. 18. The twenty-first anniversary of the settlement of the province was celebrated on Saturday.—A society lias been formed for the purpose of establishing an observatory. A handsome amount lias already been subscribed, and it is proposed to ask the Provincial Council for an endowment in land.—lt lias been calculated on reliable data that the late rise in wool added £BOO,OOO to the value of the season’s clip in tlie Middle Island.—The new city drain, which will cost £30,000, has been commenced.—December 22 ; W. E. Burke, late chief bailiff to tlic Magis-. trate’s Court, has been committed for trial on two additional charges of forging bills of exchange. Gkeymoutii, Dec. 15. At midnight on Wednesday a great flood commenced in the Grey river. A considerable portion of tlie town and several houses were under water. No serious damage was done.—December 20 ; A half-share in Shield’s prospecting claim at Iriatigahua has been sold for £1,075. Charleston, Dec. 21. The present has been the most favourable season ever known for miners, and large parcels of gold are coming into the hanks. Hokitika, Dec. 22. The market is drugged with potatoes, onions, and butter. Otherwise it is unaltered! Bluff, Dec. 21. The- 4 Albion 1 arrived this morning at 7 o’clock. She left Melbourne on the 16th. She lias on board two passengers. for Auckland Messrs G. Plunkett and J. Harris.