ROTORUA.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 2932, 30 April 1891, Page 2

ROTORUA.

Thk Wily aiAOßr.—After one and a half days' inve.stißation before Mr Bush, R.M., Apuro Apiatu was committed for trial at the next sitting of the Supreme Court for conspiring aßainst Mr F- B- Scott. The evidenco revealed the danßer innocent people are under and the audacity of the wily nativn in resorting to tho most diabolical methods of revenge. There is an accomplice still at large, named Taupoa, who will be arrested, and probably committed to tako his trial along with his confederate. The above case arose out of a former one, when Mr Scott was charged with having wilfully broken tho wheel of a bußgy. This case was dismissed, as it was clearly shown by the evidence that the accused (Mr Scott) was in Rotorua when the wheel smashed at 'Waiotapu, which was witnessed by Mr Neighbours, who happened to bo riding behind the buggy at the time. Payment for the damaged wheel was first made to Mr Wi Pore, who resented it. Attention was next drawn to Mr Scott as a suitable victim, and proceedings were instituted, with the result as already mentioned.

The Discovery ot . Petroleum.—Petroleum has been f.mnd at VVaiotapu during tho past week. From a visit I iniide to the spot yesterday, in company with a native, I was shown a pool with ab.)Ht four or five gallons of oil on the surface. The natives guard the spot with great care, and look upon the new discovery as a fountain of wealth. The lluid is chocolate in colour, and is used by tho natives for illumination purposes instead of candles, it having a Ktr hi" kerosene odour and highly iuHaiuablu. Tho discovery is not likely to bu of much commercial vuluo unless it leada to further dincovorie-i. It, huwuvor, conclusively prove* thu oxistonc of oil, which is important in itself.