The num- j j ber distributed last year was 4698, and no more fish were shipped this season than last. On no previous occasion have more than a third of the year's number baen distributed. In the Supremo Court to-day, John Freeman aud T. Riff were charged with larceny. The latter was acquitted, and the former found guilty and sentenced to four years' penal servitude. He is an ex pired convict from Western Australia, and is known to the Dunedin police. George Muff, convicted of breaking into a dwelling-house, was sentenced to six months' imprisonment. F. H. Valpy was charged with the embezzlement of the Railway Benefit Society's funds, but it not being stated that he was a ser vant of the society the indictment fell through. It is supposed that fresh charges will be brought, but in the mean time Valpy has been released. The Mayor initiated this morning the practice of attending at the Council Chamber from 9 to 11 a.m to see any citizen who might want to interview him on public business. At the Acclimatisation Society's meet ing yesterday the Secretary stated that it had come to his knowledge that three salmon had been taken in nets and sold in Christchurch, and as these men had obtained a license from the Custom house to fish three miles up the river from its mouth, the society were power less in the matter. He had communi cated with the Government on the sub ject, but had received no reply. Three young men were brought up to day at the R.M. Court on a charge of horse-stealing, but as no felonious intent was proved, the prisoners having taken the animal in a drunken frolic, they were discharged with a strong caution. At the Supreme Court to-day, J. Casey, j convicted of larceny, was sentenced to six months' hard labor. J. King, convicted yesterday of indecent assault, was sen tenced to three months' hard labor. The light sentence was due to extenuating circumstances. The rest of the day was, spent on the case of Cowen, for arson, in October last. The prisoner was acquitted. It is stated that Mr R. Puflett, the Union Company's agent at Napier, will succeed. Mr David Mills, who ia at present stationed at Lyttelton, and is to be re moved to Wellington. 