Telegraphic Despatches.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 352, 2 May 1874, Page 2

Telegraphic Despatches.

(From our mm Correspondent*) Dunedin, April aoth, 9.10 a.m. Owing to Mr. Barton deciding not to call' a large number of witnesses for the defence, the trial of Patrick Long has been brought to a close much sooner than was anticipated* The speeches for the defence were short, and his Honor finished summing up shortly after 5 o'clock yesterday afternoon. At about a quarter past 7, the jury came into Court with a verdict of Manslaughter. The Judge will pass sentence on Friday. The Government held a meeting of their supporters yesterday afternoon, and have since sent in their resignation to the Superintendent. The Superintendent's opening address recommends that when there are more than one applicant for the same section on land

thrown open on the deferred payments, the land should be put up to auction instead of being balloted for. The address also recommends selling auriferous hinds to miners, and the extension of the railway from Waipahee to Tapanui. May Ist. After the Superintendent received the resignation of the Superintendent yesterday, it is understood Dr. Webster was sent for. It is anticipated the Dr. will have some little difficulty in forming an Executive, as it is rumored he wishes to take the post of leader himself, which does not meet with the views of the majority of the Council. The Council has adjourned till Monday. j May 1, 7.30 p.m. Patrick Long was brought up for sentence this morning. He made an address to the jury, in which he admitted firing the pistol, but affirmed that he only did so to frighten the crowd and induce them to disperse, and without any intention of injuring any one. His Honor sentenced him to penal servitude for five years. So far as is known, negotiations in connec* tion with the new Executive have not yet resulted in anything definite being done. At Nelson races to-day, the Cup was won by Kakapo, Yatterina second. Handicap of 40sovs. was won by Kakapo, Yatterina second, Culumny third. A cottage at Wakefield was destroyed by fire this morning, and the occupant — a Mrs. Wright — was burnt to death. A Christchurch telegram states that the Ashburton Handicap was won by Tamburini, Envy second, Templeton third. Tarn won easily. May 2nd, 11.10 a.m. At the urgent request of some Dunedin and squatting members, Mr. Turnbull has consented to accept a non-official position in Webster's Grovernment. Mr. Shand will have no objection to join. Overtures were first made to Mr. Reid, who declined. Mr. Bastings was offered and refused a position in Dr. Webster's Grovernment. The general opinion is that the Doctor has done nothing to warrant his being entrusted to form and lead tlie Government. The probabilities are that Dr. Webster meets the Council with the following Executive : — Webster, Provincial Secretary, Lands, and Treasurer; Shand, Secretary for Goldfields and Works ; Turnbull, without office ; Bastings' successor also non-official.