INTERPROVINCIAL.

Evening Star, Issue 7356, 31 October 1887, Page 2

INTERPROVINCIAL.

[Per United; Press Association.]

AUCKLAND, October 31

At two o'clock this morning a fire on the Mount Haskell road destroyed Lyell's grocery store and dwelling, Fitch's drapery store, and a dwelling and cottage owned and occupied by Mr Armstrong., There was no water supply. The furniture and stock were nearly all saved. ' TAURANGA, October 31. At a public meeting resolutions were passed strongly urging the Government to open up Crown lands under the system of free selection, and asking the Minister of Lands to set aside 5,000 acres in the Papatoa block, now being purchased from the* Natives, as a pensioner settlement under the proposed scheme for the introduction and settlement of pensioners. The block is excellent land ; it has a harbor, and is well suited for the purposes desired.

WELLINGTON, October 31

A curious point has arisen in connection with the licensing laws. One of the city hotels is found, since the recent extension, to stand in two licensing districts. There is a bar extension, and it is contended that a fresh Uceuse.must be paid, but there is no bar within the meaning of the Act in the old portion, apd it may be possible that this fact keeps the license within the law. The point is under the consideration of the authorities.

O'Brien, the wife deserter who absconded to Sydney, was brought back to-day in the Hauroto, CHRISTCHURCH, October 31.

At 9.40 p.m. yesterday a house at Knightstown belonging to Mr George Dickenson, and occupied Dy Mr W. J.:Culver, was burnt down. The building was insured for LIOO in the Union Office, and the furniture, all of which was destroyed, for LIOO in the