AUSTRALIAN TELEGRAMS.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 2569, 19 December 1890, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN TELEGRAMS.

FATAL ELECTRIC LIGHTING ACCIDENT. Melbourne, December 18.— The first fatal accident in connection with electric lighting in the Colony has taken place on the premises of the new Australasian Electric Lighting Company at Richmond. The engineer in charge was engaged switcl}ing4>ne of the dynamos into another to stoj> on« for oiling. Pattison ant electrician, was standing in front of the switchboard of the second magazine. After changing the switches the engineer saw the unfortunate man grasping the switches with both hands, evidently unable to let go. The current was immediately shnt off, and Pattison fell down all doubled up. In five minutes he was dead. He must have received the full force of the current, 500 volts. His fingers were almost charred ofty and his body was badly blackened and} shrivelled all over. Deceased presented a terrible appearance. , ■■ ' CRICK WITHDRAWS HIS CHANGES Sydney, December 18.-— Oriok unreservedly withdrew the charges against the Chairman of Committees and Speaker. The whole question of bribery has fizzled, (sic). Being admitted to be nothing hut hotel gossips. * SCULLING MATTERS. O'Connor, the Canadian oarsman, considers the match with Kemp over, and claims the forfeit He challenges McLean to row in America -next summer for a purse of £600J or £i;O0O. EARTHQUAKE AT SAMOA; Sydney, December 18.— News from Samoa reports severe shocks of earthquake on tibe Island Nufou. The natives abandoned their villages in terror. LEPROSY IN SAMOA. A number of cases of leprosy have been discovered in Samoa. : POLITICS QUIET IN SAMOA. Political matters are quiet. NEW GOLDFIELDS IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA. Perth, December 18.-— Twd new gold" fielns are reported ; one at Turner River and the other 160 miles from Roeburo Gorge. A quantity of gold has been obtained, including a nugget weighing 120 ozg. A rush has set in.