NEW ZEALAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 359, 8 March 1902, Page 1

NEW ZEALAND.

NEW PLYMOUTH, last night. Two inquests were held at Urenui on Thursday, one., on the body of John Riddle, who died suddenly whilst fishing . The verdict was death from natural causes. 'The other on the body of William Haseiiiurst, killed by a fall of gravel in a pit at Okoke. Accidental death was the verdict. WELLINGTON, last night. Cabinet has decided that the 24th May, the late Queen’s birtiiday, will not be a public holiday in future. Two tenders have been received by the Government for the direct service with South Africa, one from the Blue Slur Line, Liverpool, and one from the Union Company, as agents for the New Zealand and South African Company. The offer of the Blue Star Company is for 11 1-3-knot boats running monthly, and the Cabinet have decided to accept it if certain details can be satisfactorily arranged. T’lie Agent-General has been instructed to got certain information with a view to tiie offer being accepted. I’lie Wellington Committee for the presentation to the Premier decided to ask the Christchurch Committee to aco as a central committee for the colony for collecting subscriptions, also to adopt the Christchurch’ proposals that the address be hound in hook form, with all the signatures, and be presented in Christchurch. Sir James Prendergast lias been appointed Chairman of the Bank of New Zealand, in succession to Mr J. It. Blair, resigned. LYTTELTON, last night.

Charles Wadliam, a fireman 011 the s.s. Karamea, fell from the wharf today and was drowned. DUNEDIN, last night.

At the Police Court Samuel Bolton, Mayor of West Harbor, Archibald Walker, foreman painter in the employ of the Union Company, John Mathison, and John Walker, subordinates to Archibald Walker, were charged with Mealing varnish, turpentine, and lead, valued at £2 14s 6d, the property of the Union Company. Mathison and the two Walkers were also jointly, charged 011 five other similar informations, alleging similar thefts, dating Pack to August, 1800. Bolton was further charged on four informations with receivingthe same goods, knowing them to have been stolen. The whole of the accused stand remanded for a week. Mr Sim lias been retained for Bolton, and Mr Hanlon for the other defendants, who will assert their innocence. " TRENTHAM, last night.

This morning the meeting was brought to a close. G. Pettie (Rangiora), Perrin (Palmerston North), ana B ckorstaff (Napier) fired off the New Zealand Natives’ Association Cup, which was won by Perrin. In the South African Match, 500 yards, 16- shots, for only New Zealand men who have served in South Africa, Young, of the First Contingent, was first, winning £5, with 80 ; Farquharson (Dunedin), £4, 83 ; O’Neill, Second Contingent, £3, 82 ; Davidson (Wairoa), £2, 70 ; Garland, Second Contingent, £l, 72.