(From the D. S. Cross.)

Waikato Times, Volume VIII, Issue 456, 20 April 1875, Page 2

(From the D. S. Cross. )

Wellington, Saturday. It is rumoured in mercantile circles that a complication has arisen in Auckland between the Government and a Colonial Insurance Company, which may lead to litigation. It appears that lately a quantity of railway material was shipped coastwise, and the Company's demand of 13s 4d per cent i'lsnrance was paid thereon. But on the account being placed before the Hon Mr Reynolds, who is acting for the Minister of Public Works, he demurred to such extortion, and having caused enquiries to be made ascertained that it was more than double the ordinaiy charge. A similar state of things had some time since been found to exist, on looking into the English agencies payments for insurance, when the charges were found to be in no e*S3 less than double, and in some treble to what merchants were paying for the same class of goods.

West port, Saturday. Exceedingly rich stone Las been struck in Halcon's claim afc Mokihinui ; lOoz. of loose gold were obtained in one blast of rock. The body of the stone, it is calculated, will yield looz to the ton.

Christchurch, Saturday. At the inquest this afternoon, a verdict of manslaughter was returned against Janet McKinlay, for causing the death of her infant child. The circumstances of the case are these : — On Monday last the hushand of Janet McKinlay was sentenced to three months' imprisonment for brutally assaulting his wife, who had bpen confined 10 days before. On Tuesday Mrs McKinlay diew a sum of money owing to her husband, and laid about the house drinking whiskey, which she sent her child for, until Friday, when — acting on information received — the police went to her husband, who found her in bed very drunk, with the infant lying besfde her, dead. The whole place and the child were in a filrhy state. The evidence at the inquest shows t'uit Mrs McKinlay first found that the infant was dead on Thursday morning, or about 30 hours before the police went to the house. During this time s'ie was continually the worse for liquor, and had t iken no steps for the removal of the dead body. Medical evidence proved tlmt the child died from want of food and general neglect. It is stated that Mercer has altered considerably in demeanour and habits since he was sentenced to death. Before his trial he used to indulge freely in exercise in the prison yard, but scarcely takes any now, and is quieter and more subdued in manner tlian formerly, and partakes but slightly of the food supplied to him. A new Athletic Club has been formed with a view of encouraging working men. All the prizes will be given in money, instead of being like thohC given by the present Club, all in plate or jewellery.

Dunedin, Friday. A verdict of manslaughter has been returned in the case of John Walter, charged with murder of Amos Holmes, of North East Valley. Sentence was deferred till Monday. The case lasted till seven o'clock. "W. D. Stewart, assisted by W. Taylor, voluntarily conducted the defence. Stewart made an able speech on the prisoner's behalf, lasting over an hour and a half. In the case of Charles Millar, charged with the manslaugher of Catherine Rvder, by throwing her down an embankment, the Judge, after ,the medical evidence was given, directed the jury to aquit the accused. The deceased was a heavy drinker and a jj'jstitude.

Saturday. At the Police Court, James Sullivan, a seatnan, was charged with sticking up -a Hill, in Mehillestreet, last; night. Sullivan tried to decoy Hill into a house of ill-fame, but the latter refused, when the prisoner threw him down, nearly stangled him, rifled his pookets, and stole his \int. — Tbe prisoner was committed for trial.