NEW ZEALAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 316, 17 January 1902, Page 1

NEW ZEALAND.

[By Telegraph—Press Association.] Wellington, last night. The Agricultural Department has received a report from Mr Cameron, Inspector of New Zealand Produce at Home, stating there is now a keen demand in the West of 'England and South of Wales for New Zealand butter. The arrivals of butter in London from Australasia are steadily increasing. This season Danish butter was lowered to 116 s per cwt., as against 123 s last year. This reduction had a disastrous effect on the sale of a great deal of New Zealand buttor. Some holders of New Zealand butter seem to be pushing their sales strongly, and appear as though anxious to effect sales and clear their stocks. They were willing to cut prices more than Mr Cameron j believes necessary. Although our butter is fully equal to Australian, the cutting of prices for the New Zealand article appears to bo general. Mr Cameron urges that if reports of the depreciating quality of Danish butter are correct, those who handle New Zealand butter should make a bold fight to compete on a more level footing with it, as there will be a shortage of Australian butter, and there is no unusal depression 1 at Home. New Zealand butter should realise good prices if agents combine. Choice butter is in short supply.

Auckland, last night. The adjourned inquest on John Burke, laborer, aged 45, who died at the Hospital on Monday under chloroform, was held this morning before Mr Gresham, Coroner. The medical evidence showed the case was an urgent one. A verdict was returned that deceased died during the administration of chloroform, and the jury were of opinion the medical staff took all precautions and acted with porfect skill. The Arbitration Court this morning gave judgment in the ease of Phinix v. Brown, a claim of £IOO for compensation under the Workers’ Compensation Act for injuries received while working at a lolliocutting machine, by which claimant lost three fingers of the right band. The defence was that the accident was directly attributable to the serious and wilful misconduct of claimant. Tho Court pointed out and laid down several cases of the Court of Appeal in England upon the English Act, that uhe burden of proving serious, wilful misconduct was on the employer; that such misconduct was a question of fact, and depended on the circumstances in each particular case. At a statutory conference of local bodies yesterday afternoon Wednesday was recommended as the day for observance of tho half-holiday.

Patea, last night. The Cabinet have approved of the Patea Harbor loan of £25,000. Tho money will be obtained from the Postal Department. The sum of £15,000 is to be spent on harbor improvements.

Wanganui, last night. George Thurston, who escaped from gaol on the 7th inst., and was recaptured on the 11th, 50 miles inland of Wanganui, was yesterday committed to trial at the Supremo Court. He alleged that the reason be escaped was becauso he was bullied by the warders and had insufficient food, which he had complained of to tho warder. The Magistrate, Mr Kettle, commented strongly on the hardship to prisoners and expense to the country in keeping them so long in gaol, when they might be tried by the District Court. The gaoler mentioned that sometimes men were kept in prison six months awaiting trial, and then acquitted at the Supremo Court.

Carterton, last night. Replying to the member for the Wairarapa, the Premier says he will recommend Lord Milner to place an order with this colony for young cattle, but fears the price will bo a bar.

Christchurch, last night. The second annual dinner in connection with the New Zealand Boot Manufacturers’ Federation was held last night. The gathering was a representative one.

Dunedin, last night. By a fire at Naseby at 5.30 this morning, the house of John Burns, waggoner, was destroyed. His daughter, aged five years, was unable to and perished in tho flames. The house was owned by the occupier, who had no insurance either on house or furniture.

Invercargill, last night. At the Wairia races yesterday, a jockey named L. Lloyd was seriously injured internally by his horse falling in the' Flying Handicap. He is now in the hospital in a critical state.