Local Intelligence.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 1, Issue 32, 1 May 1858, Page 3

Local Intelligence.

Cal-vmitous Fire. — On Tuesday evening, about nine o'clock, the large building at Waipureku jointly occupied by Mr. Ferguson, as a stable, and Mr. Dyett, as a store, was discovered to be in flames, and, as if in mockery of every eil'art to save it, was speedily burned to the ground. So rapidly did the work of destruction proceed that nothing could be done to save the fine horse "Bolivar," the occupant of Mr. Ferguson's division of the building ; indeed, it is fe'ired that the poor animal had perished before the alarm of fire was given. Mr. Dyett's stock, to which a large addition had been made the day before, was also entirely destroyed. Fortunately, the adjoining stores of Mr. Ferguson and hotel of Mr. Dyett were saved, although with much difficulty ; but they would certainly have shared tbe same fate had not the natives — much to their credit be it said — turned out of the pah to a man and laboured unceasingly in the effort to save property. Through their means a continuous supply of water was kept up ; and thus the heated and charred partitions were prevented from igniting. The origin of this disastrous fire

remains in complete obscurity. While the destruction of private property is much to be deplored, the public have also sustained a loss in the death of "Bolivar," a horse from which great improvement to the stock of the District might reasonably have been anticipated.

Prospect of a Bank. — Most of our readers are doubtless already aware that, among the passengers by the Wonga Wonga, was A. C. McDonald Esq., manager of the Union Bank, Wellington. We are not in a position to state positively that this gentleman's visit is necessarily to be followed by the establishment of a branch bank in this town ; but as he has been diligently occupied since his arrival in ascertaining the capabilities of the District — its-, imports, exports, revenue, &c, and as im these particulars he cannot fail to perceive,; indications of high and of growing pros*perity, we feel confident that this.-- greai«_ commercial desideratum is at length to besupplied. By the establishment ofadu-aneh. bank in Napier a fresh impetus will: be given to that prosperity ; and in nothing could we with more sincerity congratulate our readers than upon such an event..

Land Department. — Our readers are all aware that, a few months ago, . certain . charges were preferred against Mr. Tiffen, the head of this department, by Mr. J. 8.. Williams/ The proper course-under-the-circumstances has been adopted. by the Provincial Government — that of appointing, a: commission of enquiry — Messrs* Wood/ward and Cooper having- am ved' per steamer with full powers to that effect.

New Auctioneer. — It will be perceived! from our advertising columns that Mr. JA. Smith will hold his maiden auction saleon Tuesday next. We wish him. every success. Member tor the General Assembly. — In another column will be found a requisition to J. B. Ferguson Esq., and that gentleman's reply — in which he consents to be placed in nomination for the seat vacant by the resignation cf J. V. Smith Esq. The requisition is very numerously and respectably signed.