NEW ZEALAND. [BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Waikato Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2157, 6 May 1886, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND. [BY TELEGRAPH— PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

CHRISTCHURCH, Wednesday. Messrs J. L. Scott, R. M. Taylor, S. P. Andrews, and G. Jolly were nominated to-day as candidates for the Sydenham seat in the House of Representatives, rendered vacant by the resignation of Mr White. The show of hands was w favour of Mr Scott. The poll takes plaot next Wednesday. The Kaiapoi Borough Council are in trouble about their town clerk. They have seen nothing of him for ten days, and several of the books are missing. At a meeting last night, the council resolved that a search warrant be obtained, that the clerk's house may be searched for the missing books, and that such other action be taken as may be deemed necet* sary by the Mayor.

NEW PLYMOUTH, Wednesday. The hearing of the conspiracy case con* eluded this evening. Mr Hutchioson con* ducted the prosecution ; defendants wer* unrepreseuted by counsel. After a large amount of evidence was taken, judgment was deferred till to-morrow. The case ii creating great interest here. The public subscribed £25 to carry on the prosecution.

BLENHEIM, Wednesday. The Supreme Court sittings opened to* day before Judge Richmond, wboM charge contained nothing of special interest. He considered the calendar of the cases heavy for Marlbrough. A sift* gular circumstance in the case for at* tempted rape against Collett, the jockey, was referred to by his Honour. Since prisoner was committted for trial he had married the prosecutrix. His Honour said he had never heard of such a case before, but marriage was not in itself a condonation or defence to the charge, which affected the law and the community at large, as well as the parties immediately concerned. The Grand Jury found a true bill against Collett, who was put on his trial, the evidence clearly establishing the charge, accused having admitted it, and pleaded that he had been engaged to the girl two years, and had committed the offence when drunk after a race. His Honour directed the jury that although subsequently marrying was somewhat in accused's favour, a man was not justified, iv forcing a «oman to whom he was engaged. They had to consider the consequences, if he had not married her after all, and regard must be had to the gross outrage to public decency* The prisoner was found guilty, and received a sentence of three months.