NAPIER.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3424, 12 December 1879, Page 2

NAPIER.

Last night. The criminal business of the Supreme Court is nearly finished with the exception of the charge against McLennan of wife murder. This case will be -taken on Monday, and it is expected to occupy ten days or a fortnight. There are 33 witnesses for the prosecution' A shocking instance of immorality and ignorance in* a Maori girl was brought under the notice of the Supreme Court yesterday* A native was indicted for a criminal assault upon a little girl under ten year* of age, but the indictment had to be altered, as it was evident the girl had consented. .The Foreman of the Grand Jury stated that the girl did not appear to understand the nature of an oath.

Mr Justice Eichmond personally questioned her, and she said that she attend'd church and school, but had never heard of God nor was taught morality. His Honor said there appeared to be a most deplorable state of things in the Poverty Bay district. It was anything but creditable to pakehas who occupied the land so long that ignorance, itnmoralty, and crime of every description was so rife there. .--. The notorious bushranger, Moonlight, who has been recently captured in Victoria, was formerly a resident in Hawko's Bay, and at one time was employed in the Herald office. He subsequently joined the A.C., and afterwards distinguished himself as a scout against the Haubaus. When on the Herald he was a steady and well-con-ducted young man. • ■■■ ■■'■■ ■■ »:-.-.-.^-- ]>r Hector* who is here as a witness in McLellan's case, has consented to deliver a lecture on the geological formation of Hawke's Bay. „ . ' A most extraordinary' fatality appear! attending the peach trees this year. Bundredi of trees of all ages- and apparently in a flourishing condition last year died off ill over the province, and we hear of similar complaints from Wairarapa and Wellington.

The seed crops of all descriptions are looking splendid, but the oidium tuckeri or grape blight has again made its appearance here. In a charge of forgery at the Supreme Court today the Jury brought in a verdict of " Guilty, but without felonious intent," and,Mr Justice .Richmond said this amounted to an acquittal, and ordered the discharge of the prisoner.