PROVINCIAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 1456, 11 October 1879, Page 9

PROVINCIAL.

Akeow, October 4th.

Equinoctial gales have been raging with violence yesterday and to-day. Snow and rain. fell in considerable quantities, and coming in the height of the lambing season, must inflict htavy losses upon sheepfarmera. t * There is no danger of any Bevere floods to be apprehended. The weather now shows signs of clearing, and\ the worst appears to be over.

Matatjba, October sth. Some three months ago the old police camp building, which was the' first hotel he^p, was soldi Hugh Cameron purchasing it for L3O. He resold it in three lots. Mr Daniel M'Kay bought one for L2O, ifc b<dng removed to a vacant' section. He insured it about ten days ago withthe New Zealand Office here for L 175. Early on Saturday morning it was burnt to'theground. No one was living in the house at tho time. The owner was away at Wyndham that night. After the fire Constable Fretwell discovered recent footprints from the gravelled* road to the house andbackagain. It having been raining heavily overnight, no doubt exists as to the track being new. Every effort is being Uded to trace the incendiary. Kana-kana, or lampreys, have been extremely plentiful at the Palls here lately.

Tokojiaibibo, October 4th. Peter Meek, a lad 15 years of age, in the employ of Mr Marshall, at the Woolshad, died this morning from the effects of a kick received from a horse on Friday last.

Oamabu, October 2nd. A number of the residents of Kakanui are about to send a requisition to the Governor praying to be formed into a, Volunteer corps. October 3rd.

A four-roomed cottage in Eden street, .the property of Mr J. Hunt, of Waimate, and occupied by Mr Hodson, was burned down this evening. The family were absent at the time, aud the origin of the fire is unknown. It i» not known whether the house was insured, but it is believed the occupant is a total loser.

October sth.

The furniture in Hodgson's house, which was burned down on Friday, was insured for LIOO in the South British Office,

October 6th.

Alfred James Twinning was charged, at the E.M. Court to-day with obtaining goodß by means of a valueless cheque from David Ferrier, and remanded Aill Friday. The weathai^or the past week has been very cold and raw^vith occasional rain and high winds. No damage is reported. To-day there was a change for the better.

October 7th.

Alfred James Twinning, charged with obtaining money and goods by means of a valueless cheque, was discharged to day. The mpney was paid, and the prosecutor withdraw the charge. ■

The Civil Sittings of the District Court were held to-day, but there were no cases of impoi> tanca.

Owake (Catljn's River), October 3rd. A public banquet in commemoration of the opening of the post and telegraph office was held to-night. There was a large gathering of settlers, aud numerous visitors from Balclatha and Dunedin attended. The banquet was a great auccesa.

Invebcabgill, October 7th. At the monthly parade last night of the RifleCompany over 50 members attended, when the

question of the suitability of the date fixed for the next Volunteer demonstration was considered. It was unanimously resolved that the captain ask the Mayor (Mr Macrorie) to telegraph to the Volunteer authorities m Christchurch, suggesting that, as far as the company were concerned, Christinas week would be very inconvenient for them to attend, but that nearly every member would be able to take part in the affair if held at Easter. The use of the phosphorus-rhodium process in the extermination of rabbits is being attended with singular success. One or two stations have already been cleared of the pesta. The rabbiters hive been discharged and their packs of doga tbraatened with destruction. The remedy is finding general application, and high hopss are entertained that ere long the rabbit nuisance will be a thing of the past. The weather is lovely, and agricultural and pastoral operations are in full swing uader the moit favourable auspices.