AUCKLAND

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3836, 14 April 1881, Page 2

AUCKLAND

This day

/ The coasting steameu. Anne Milbank struck on a rock in Parua Bay, and is making water fast. It is said the steamer's back is broken. She is insured in the South British for £1500, and resured as follows :—National, £250 ; Victoria, £250; New Zealand, £500.

At the inquest re the fire which destroyed Ireland's tannery, tbe verdict that the place was wilfully set fire to by some person or persons unknown. The verdict has caused, some surprise, as G. Ireland, the residentV proprietor* and Roger Kay, the manager of the works, both swore that in their opinion the fire was accidental.

Mr Mills, on behalf the Union Company, has sold the steamer Wellington to Captain McGregor, the owner of the various Auckland coasting steamers, and has agreed to withdraw from opposing him in the Russell, Tauranga, Whangarei, and Bay of "Islands trade, except with such steamers as go to coal.

Bowman, the engineer who attempted suicide by taking laudanum, has been arrested on the charge and been remanded.

In tbe Police Court tbe prosecution by Rees against Wickham, of the Free Lance, for libel was proceeded with. G. M. Eeed was the principal witness examined. He deposed that he was the agent of the Belfast immigrants, referred to in the article, and Eees had never been guilty of. the conduct imputed to him in the article with respect to those immigrants. He denied that Eees had attempted to swiudle tbe immigrants, or had failed in his promises to them, or that the Judges bad reflected on Eees. They bad complimented him, and the natives had given him (Eees) an assurance that be was carrying out their wishes. The case is proceeding.

Lateb. The Editor of Free Lance com-

mitted for. Trial, Mr Wickliam is committed for trial for libel on Mr Kees, the solicitor.