INTERPROVINCIAL.

Press, Volume XXIX, Issue 3896, 17 January 1878, Page 2

INTERPROVINCIAL.

[PBR PRESS ASKKOT.]

VESSELS STRANDED AT MOERAKI

AND OKAIN'S BAY.

SERIOUS FLEE IN WELLINGTON.

THE RAILWAY STATION DKSTROYED.

Wellington, January 16. This year's assessment of city property for general purposes is £207,605, being an increase of £30,000 over last year. The city valuation for water purposes is £183,469, or an increase over last year of £33,966. A deputation from Masterton waited upon Sir George Grey to-day, requesting him to visit the Wairarapa. Sir George promised to visit Wairarapa next week. He will be accompanied by Mr Sheehan. During the last few days several altercations have occurred in the Supreme Court between Mr Barton and the Chief Justice. Yesterday, in the case of Gillon v McDonald, Mr Justice Richmond had occasion to say to Mr Barton that his language was insolent, and that the best thing he could do would be to sit down. To-day there were other passages somewhat similar in character, and in one Mr Justice Richmond remarked, when taking exception to some of Mr Barton's observations, that he could not have these things going on. After some remarks from Mr Barton, the Judge said: "Mr Barton, if you will make yourself a common nuisance in the Court, I must take some means to put you down."— Mr Barton : "I don't think your Honor can." The Judge : " I will try." A fire broke out this afternoon in a building intended for a hotfl, but whioh failed to obtain a license, just opposite the railway station. Owing to the water supply being limited, in consequence of the waterworks not being completed, it is usuajly turned off during day. When water was turned on at the reservoir it took about an hour before it reached the fire in any force. Meantime the hotel and two adjoining buildings were burned down. The flames blowing across the street set fire to the railway station, which, along with the offices of district engineer and traffic manager, were very soon destroyed. None of the carriages or other rolling stock were injured. The railway station was valued at about £1000, the other buildings at from £1200 to £1500. The hotel was occupied untO yesterday, when nearly all the effects were removed. The hotel and buildings were insured in the National for £500, and in the New Zealand for £150. The origin of the fire is unknown. A few minutes after the alarm the building was all in ilameß. Had a proper supply of water been on the railway Btation would [have been saved. The following tenders have been received for the Papatu bridge contract on the Napier and Manawatu Railway : —Accepted: Proudfoot and Mackay, Dunedin, £15,195. Rejected : Fallon, Auckland, £15,197; W. Stocks, Christchurch, £15,200; Blair, Dunedin, £16,799: Hector Reid, Dunedin, £16,965 ; Danahar, Auckland, £17,900 ; Bassett, Wanganui, £18,055; Davis and Co., Wellington, £18,279; Ross, Auckland, £18,386; Nathan and Wilkie, Rangitikei, £18,738; Britton, Auckland, £18,850; A. Mackay, Napier, £19,790; Allen, Dunedin, £19,918; McLeod, Waipukurau, £19,979; Jay, Wellington, £20,276; Dickson, Auckland, £20,375 ; Cameron, Dunedin, £21,608; Tawse and Brown, Wellington, £21,850; Taylor and Co., Auckland, £22,037; Rowe, Wanganui, £22,930 ; Lockie and Dunn, Wellington, £24,916. Nicholson, Akerley, Darrach, informal. In re Gillon v McDonald, a special jury gave a verdict for the plaintiff, thereby declaring Gillon to be still a partner in the " Argus" Company, notwithstanding his alleged disposal of his shares in the Company to McKerdie, the jury being of opinion that such transfer was made by way of mortgage only. The jury were unanimous.. The three-masted schooner Prince Alfred was towed into harbor from the Heads this afternoon by the steamer Wellington. She had hoisted signals of distress this morning when drifting rapidly towards the . rocks during the gale. - Xh» Wellington rescued her before any damage was done. Dunedin, January 16. The Harbor Master has received a telegram from Hampden reporting that the Huon Belle, from Kakanni, loaded with wool, went ashore this morning, and is likely to become a total wreck. [from our own correspondents.] Akaroa, Jannary 16. The ketch Janette went ashore in Okain's Bay during the heavy gale this morning. All hands were saved. Hopes are entertained of floating her off. Dunedin, January 16. The Brooklands sale realised £11,876, or £24 per acre. Mr Pryde has been appointed interim Secretary of the Education Board, at an increased salary. The weather to-day is gloriously fine. General regret is expressed that the Australians did not Btay till this evening to conclude the match.