WELLINGTON.

Thames Star, Volume XIV, Issue 4370, 5 January 1883, Page 2

WELLINGTON.

Yesterday.

An arrest of a peculiar nature was made this afternoon. A young lady of rather prepossessing appearance was arrested on a :charge of child stealing. It is understood that the accused, Mrs Lucia Stewart is a married woman from Christchurch, and that some time back her daughter was adopted by a gentleman residing in that place. When the former was leaving the Cathedral City she took charge of the child, and brought her ato Wellington. Information was at once given to the police, and the lady in ■ question was arrested pending the arrival of a warrant. She will be brought up before the Magistrate to-morrow, and in all probability will be remanded to Christchurch.

A fire, which fortunately was not attended with serious results, occurred on board the ship Waitnra this afternoon. A ease ol acids was stowed in tbo forehold of the vessel; and one of the- bott!e\s bursting, it at once set fire to the contents. Luckily the accident was observed before it had extended, and the case was speedily sent to the deck, from whence it was thrown overboard. ' It is believed that the ease wa3 consigned to Messrs Thompson, Shannon, and Co., warehousemen, and that the contents were for the use of Mr Shannon, who takes a considerable amount "of interest in photography. The damage is comparatively small. ■

Major Atkinson left for New Plymouth this morning. Mr Bryce has returned from his visit through the North Island.

Five cases are set down for hearing at the next criminal sittings of the Supreme Court, none of them being of a serious character. In the sittings of the Court for divorce cases, two petitions for dissolution of marriage will be heard. It is stated that Mr Alfred Jackson, manager of the local branch of the Union Bank, intends retiring from that position. Mr Jamieson, the accountant, will, take charge temporarily until Mr Jackson's successor is,appointed-. This day. Lucia Stewart, who was taken in custody yesterday for child stealing at Dunedin, was brought before the Magistrate. The plaintiff, having regained possession, of the child, refused to offer any evidence, and accused was therefore discharged.