AUCKLAND.

Thames Star, Volume XIII, Issue 4219, 10 July 1882, Page 2

AUCKLAND.

This day. The proposed tradesmen's ball to the Petty Officers of the Nelson has fallen through, the Choral Hall not being available before the departure of the ship.

Superintendent Thomson has returned from the Thames. He will forward to Wellington his report on the inquiry into the cbarge brought by Farrell against Sergt. O'Grady, officer in charge of the Thames district. It is understood that he dees not intend taking any action on his own responsibility re the serious charge against O'Grady.

Judge Gillies, in charging the Grand Jury, said there were 22 charges against 21 prisoners. He was sorry the duty of the jury would be somewhat arduous, though from the number oi charges and ?he gravity of the offences it was not to be inferred that there had been au increase of -crime in the district, two of the most serious offences having been committed years ago. Evidence in Winiata's case would be simple, but in the case of Fakara and Epilia the proof of guilt would hinge on the identification of the prisoners with those who fired at Me Williams. to the charge against Pairburn of being illegally on the Rev. Mr Gittos' premises, he said he did not krow on what charge the Crown Prose* cutor intended to indict, but pointed out that unless it could be proved the prisoner was there with felonious intent, the case must fall through. Concerning the cases of rape on children under 12 years of age, he pointed: out that consent on the part of the. person/raped was not an element of defence.

Geo. Bennett, for stealing £13 from J. Selley, pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to one year's imprisonment with hard labor, to date from time of com* mittal.

Arrived: Easter Hill, barque, from London, Capt. Evans, 105 days on voyage. During a terrific storm, John Joshua Thomas, seaman, [was washed overboard, and not seen afterwards.