WELLINGTON, Wednesday.

Waikato Times, Volume XXI, Issue 1773, 15 November 1883, Page 2

WELLINGTON, Wednesday.

At the sitting of the Court of Appeal, Chief Justice Richmond and Justice Gillies disposed of the case, of Johnson v. Maitland and others. The appeal was from the decision given by Justice Williams, of Dunedin, dismissing motion for a mandamius asked for against the respondents, the chief commissioner and members of the Otago Waste Land» Board commanding them to issue to appellant a pastoial license in terms of section 85 of the Land Act. After considerable argument, the motion was refused, with cost* of appellant £18. At a meeting 1 of the Cabinet to-day, it was decided to recommend to his Excellency the Governor the names of four gentlemen for appointment as official assignees under the new Bankruptcy Act. The gentlemen are :—For Auckland, Mr John Lawson, formerly connected with Brogden and Sons, and for some time Coin* mihsioner for the North Island Railways ; for Wellington, Mr C, C, Graham, at present Town Clerk ; for Christenurch, Mr E. Latter, a well-known resident; for Dunedm, Mr J. Ashoioft, until recently editor of the Otago Daily Times. The appointments will be gazetted as soon as his Excellency has given his assent. Dr King, of the Lunatic Asylum, has been asked to take charge of the Wellington Hospital in place of Dr Hammond, who, it is understood, retires from the position of superintendent of that institution almost immediately. Mr White, of the Bank Hotel, has received a letter from Austin, agent for Scott the pedestrian, in which he s,ay«*: <"• Re your offer to give £10Q JU'\zg, Jfoy Scott arid Edwards to contest a 48 hours' walk at Wellington. On behalf of Scott, I decline thas offer, as the trip would be too expensive, and with no certainty of success j but if you will arrange a 24 hours' walk, as well, ancl in the ovQpt of either }Wx wtoniog, both

events, the loser to receive £25 out of the receipts, then I will accept for Scott." It is understood that both White and Edwards' aprent, Mr Seymour, are willing to agree to these terms, so that the expected match will come off at an early date. The spi ing show in connection with the Wellington Horticultural Society to-day was a great success. The man Taylor, who was hurt by the tram yesterday, still lies in a critical condition. Hopes arc, however, entertained of his ultimate recuvery.