NEW ZEALAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 430, 31 May 1902, Page 1

NEW ZEALAND.

(Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, last night. With reference to the cable message, Mr H. Berkley, who is in Auckland, writes “That Sir Henry could not have given utterance to so meaningless a statement as that both white

and colored populations would probably be just as pleased and contented if the present form of government were continued, and they also would not object to joining either the Commonwealth of New- Zealand, is is inconceivable to anyone who knows him." In the Police Court, John Fere, alias John Norman Jones, was charged with obtaining £269 from the Union Bank by reuresenting falsely that he was John N./Jones named in a certain letter of credit. 1-Ie was remanded for a week.

NAPIER, last night. Mr J. E. Bannister of Wanganui Collegiate School, has lieen selected out of twenty applicants as second master of the Boys’ High School. A dwelling house at Meanee, owned and occupied by Israel Trask, has been totally destroyed by fire. The insurance on tiie liou.se was £l7O, and on the furniture £SO in. the National. WOODVILLH, last night. Mr O'Meara, M.H.R., and his wife, when driving home to Paliiatua on Wednesday mgiit, were driven into by a trap without lights,. Mr O’Meara’s iiorse was knocked into the dilcn, mid the buggy completely wrecked. The occupants of the other trap were under the influence of liquor, and drove oil without rendering assistance. The police are making every effort to trace them. Mr O’Meara escaped injury nut his wife was bruised somewhat, and is suffering from the shock. WELLINGTON, last night. Trooper Stringer, of. the Sixth Contingent, who was left in the hospital at Fremantle, is now convalescent. NmLauN, last uigne At the annual meeting of the Acclilnu ti.sation Society it, was resolved to ask' the Government to remove the protection of stoats and weasels, and other societies are to be asked to cooperate to pay a reward for the destruction of the animals. Fishing licenses were fixed at 12s 6d. Resolutions to appoint rangers for the whole colony by contributions from the As^

sociations and the Government were rejected, the contention being that honorary members pledged to waxen the interests of sport were alone effective. The fishing season was fixed as usual, except in regard to the Maitai, which was limited to four months. It was resolved to release eighty thousand trout in the rivers, and endeavour to rear twenty thousand locally, thus resuming fish culture.

At the meeting to "consider the proposed visit of Lord Hawke’s team, it was stated the Association guaranteed £IOO, but tiie entertaining expenses would have to be found locally, as, unless this arrangement was carried out, the visit would fall through, Hokitika, last night. Tiie citizens of Hokitika made a presentation to the Mayor, Mr -Michel, last evening, in recognition or nis services as Mayor during the last seven years, and his long connection with the Fire Brigade and other public, institutions of tiie town. A large number were present, including the I-lons. Marshall and Ilolmes, and tiie Mayor of A congratulatory telegram from "the Acting-Premier was read, amidst great applause. Tnc presentation consisted of an illuminated address to Mr Michel and a solid silver salver and tea set to Mrs Michel. The proceedings were marked with great enthusiasm, the function passing off with great heartiness, A spread was held subsequently, and was largely attended, when speeches most complimentary to Mr Michel and his public services were made. Mrs Mordaunt, proprietress of the hotel at Dillanstown, was found drowned in a water-race this morning. She retired to rest as usual last nlgnt, and nothing further was seen or heard of her till she was discovered In the race.

DUNEDIN, last night. The following sentences were passed at the Supreme Court this morning : John Ashton, aged 2G, for stealing blankets from a boarding-house, six months; Thos. William Wilson, aged

22, three months ; James Gray, aged 35, and Frank Sheehan, aged 31, robbery with violence, three years ; William Andrews, aged 57, assaulting a girl at 1 reriot, two years. The Premier cables to Mrs Mathieson that her son, Trooper Mathieson, of the Ninth Contingent, is ill of enteric at Elandsfontein Hospital.