NAPIER. 7th January.

Evening Post, Volume XVII, Issue 314, 8 January 1879, Page 2

NAPIER. 7th January.

An inquest has been held beforo Mr. Todd on the late fire, which resulted from sparks from the railway at Waipukurau. From the evidence it appeared that property worth £4000 was destroyed, belonging to the following settlers :— The Hon. H. R. Russell, Messrs. P. Russell, F. H. Drawer, John Harding, and J. Hayes. The taking of evidence occupied six hours. The following verdict was given : — That the whole of the fires took, place on the 21st, 24th, and 25th December last; that the large amount of property destroyed, both north and south of the Walpukuran Railway Station, was caused by sparks from railway engines. The following rider was added : — That the jury consider the railway authorities are solely to blame through not haviDg spark catchers and fire box guards attached to the engines ; also, in not taking extra precaution for placing men along the line after being duly warned. The sessions of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand North were resumed at nine o'clock this morning. The business was chiefly to consider reports of the working of the order throughout the Island, with highly instructive information as to rendering the order more efficient than it has ever been. A most cordial message of congratulation from the Grand Worthy Secretary (J. W. Baker) of New South Wales was received by telegraph during the morning. This lodge works under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the world. The lodge will continue to work in a subordinate degree the whole of to-day and to-morrow. The ship Adamante, with immigrants, bound for Napier, from London, 90 days out, was signalled off Opunake yesterday. She signalled all well, and desired to be reported at Napier. With a fair wind, the Adamante should be here on or about Saturday next. it a meeting of the new Racing Club, held to-day, it was announced that the races would be held on the 18th and 19th March. i7OO hts been subscribed. Bth January. There ia great excitement here over the municipal election for the two vacant seats in the Council. It is reported that the Clive scheme for forming a township in opposition to Napier has fallen through owing to its costliness. Last evening, at a meeting of the Grand Lodge of Good Templars, the Hon. W. Fox in the chair, the consideration of the report of the committee on the constitution was continued. The minimum amount of quarterly fee 3 was fixed at Is 6d for males, and Is for females. The degree fee was raised from Is to 2s; the clearance and travelling card fee was raised to Is. The report of the Finance Committee was considered. The Grand Secretary's salary was fixed at £100 for the ensuing year. Bro. Speight proposed, and Mr. W. Johnson seconded, that the Hon. W. Fox be re-elected G.W.C.T. for the ensuing year. This was carried. Bro W. Johnson (Wellington) was elected G.W. Councillor unopposed. Bro. Jacques (Christchurch) was elected G.W.V.T., and Bro. Speight GW. Secretary unopposed. Bro. Philips was elected G.W. Chaplin. Bro. ! Ellis was elected G.M., after a hard contest. The office of District Deputy G.W.C.T. wai abolished. On a division it was resolved to instal the officers this afternoon. It was resolved that the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge be extended all over New Zealand at once. It was decided that arrangements be made for holding a special session of the Grand Lodge, for the purpose of courerring Grand Lodge degrees at Christchurch, Wanganui, and such other places as the executive may deem fit, as soon as possible. Bro. Fox stated he would go down to Christchurch himself with Bro. Speight, the G W. Secretary, about the end of February. It was further resolved that the next session of this Lodge be held at the Thames, subject to the usual conditions, and failing there, at New Plymouth.