SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

Waikato Times, Volume X, Issue 816, 8 September 1877, Page 2

SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

.AiiKXANDfW, Thursday. Connor, tlie man who caused some talk sometime back by visiting Tawhiao and presenting him with a Fenian flag, is up near Kaipiha endeavouring to arrange another interview with tho King. His visit is kept as seurot as possible from the natives generally. Auckland, last night. The City of New York has arrived. Hyam was committed to trial for f org ing share transfers. Napier, last ni*ht. Patrick Coghlan arrested on a charge of bigamy, alleged that having a wife and three children in Ireland, he married again here. Dunedin, last night. A boy fell into the machinery of a brick work?, and his head was almost severed from the body. Wellington', Thurday. GEORGE JONES, JUN. George Jones was brought up at the Resident Magistrate's Court this morning before three Justices of Peace. The Bench wantei an till tomorrow, wh?n the Resident Magistrate would be present. Mr Rees pressed for a hearing at once, as he wanted to get away (hat afternoon. Mr lzird having stated the case, reading a portion of the artiole considered libellous. The defence contended that tho article on y stated that Mr Whitaker sought to piss the Act ?o as to acquire a great quantity of land ' by law,' which was open, to everyone ©lee, aqd. tfcat hja action

was not stated to be wrong bat only unpopular. After a good dual of argument, tha bench ruled tbat a prima facie case made out of the whole, tendency of the article, and was to the effect that tbe'Land Bill ought to be called a bill to enrich Mr Whitaker and his frjends at the expense of the public , >JV.;. .*"" Mr Rees then wanted to Whitaker in the box to examine him3?ut Mr Izird raised the legal objection that he could not be examined to prove the libel at a preliminary investigation.. •*•' Mr Jones reserved his defence. M r Jone3 was then committed to take his trial at the Supreme Court of Otago ; bul allj.wftd,,„.,accusad, ..£loo,„„aj}j(J s sureties of £SO each. THE 'WAKA MAORI' LIBEL ACTION. The Chief Justice finished bis.charge shortly before four o'otock, having commenced at ten 'o'clock ''this morning. Having- instructed the jury as to the issues, the Judge said that if they found any of the allegations in the letters defamatory and untrue, they should find a verdict for the plaintiff. If they held on the other hand, .that the. allegations ia* both Maori letters were proved, then they should give a verdict for defendants. The foreman of the jury made a representation on behalf of the"others as to the'exceptional nature of the trial'in its uuusual duration,' with'the'viewof getting some special remuneration. • ' The Chief Justice said he had no power in the matter, nor was there any power under which such a thing could be done. After being absent two hours and a half the jury returned, bringing in a verdict for the plaintiff' on all the issues (six), for £SOO damages. They then informed the Judge they would present their fee of 12 } guineas to the Benevolent Society.