Hutt, April 17. At the nomination yesterday Mr Peter Laing was proposed by Mr N. Valentine, and seconded by Mr W. S. Buck. Mr llichard Burt was proposed by ATr A. Ludlam, and seconded by Mr W. Beetham. The show of hands was in favor of Mr Burt. A poll was demanded on behalf of Air Laing. Three cheers were given for Mr Ludlam, the retiring member, and three for the Returning Officer. The attendance was very poor. Air Laing’s supporters insist that he shall go to the poll. Auckland, March 12, G. 35 p.m. At the Supreme Court yesterday, Haley called Mrs Russell as a witness for the defence. Her evidence strongly confirmed that of the other witnesses for the prosecution. Haley also called witnesses to show that they had known him for many months, and neverknew him to express animus against Russell. Two servants said that they lived in Haley’s house at the time of the alleged occur rence, but noticed nothing extraordinary nor anything to indicate that Haley had been out. The prisoner is now ad dressing the jury for the defence. Greville’s agent at Auckland con gratulates Greville’s Manager of Wel lington upon the completion of tele graphic communication. Latest Telegram per Special Dispatch. Haley addressed the jury for an hour and a quarter to-day. He contended that any man who could have used such expressions as Air Thomas Russell attributed to him in the cells must have been insane. He also argued that the letter to the Cross was evidently a hoax. He admitted the ownership of the revolver, aud made other admission, which were subsequently commented upon by the Crown Prosecutor. The Judge is now summing up. PER SPECIAL MESSENGER. 7.5 p.m. The jury found Haley guilty upon three counts in the indictment charging him with intent to kill Thomas Henry Russell. The prisoner then pleaded guilty to sending the threatening letter to destroy property ; to setting fire to Russell’s haystacks ; and to setting fire to the kerosene store. No sentence was imposed for the threatening letter. The sentence for the other charges was penal servitude for life. April 13, 2.7 p.m. Mr Peppercorn, after twenty years residence in Sydney, has returned to Auckland, and claimed an extensive

tract of valuable mining land at Coro mandel, including the township of Wynyardton, some years ago cut into allotments. 