NEW ZEALAND.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXI, Issue 7177, 29 February 1884, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND.

[Per Press Association.]

AUCKLAND, Feb. 28,

At the inquest on the body of Michael Hogan, victim of the Parnell fire, the jury returned a verdict of accidentally burned to death, and that there was no evidence as to the origin of the fire, with a rider that it should be compulsory for boardinghouses of two and three storeys in height

to be provided with fire-escapes or ropes in the upper storeys. The sailing of the Tarawcra has been postponed till to-morrow in order to take a portion of the Ruapehu's southern cargo. Mr Olendon, Resident Magistrate at Whangarei. was fined for having a horse astray in the street, and a .I.l*. had to he got to sit iu judgment on the erring magistrate, who, a short time previously, had commented severely on this offence when delinquents wore before him.

NAPIER, Fen. 28

In all three Licensing Districts in the town the teetotal candidates were beaten by a largo majority. Mr Ormond headed the poll in every district. The new Working Men’s Club was opened last night. It is a finer building than that of the Hawke's Bay Club. One reason of the overwhelming defeat of the teetotal candidates was that only two were nominated, unless Mr Ormond, who was nominated by both parties, may he so considered. At the last moment the Borough Solicitor ruled that under the Regulation of Local Elections Act every voter must vote for five candidates or the paper would bo invalid, so that the teetotallers had to vote for three on the other side.

WANGANUI, Feb. 28.

Sir Robert Douglas, Bart., died early this morning from cancer, at Mr A&hforth’s residence, where he had been on a visit for several weeks past. The deceased gentleman came to the Colony as Captain in the 57th Regiment, and was in the last Parliament as member for Marsdou.

WELLINGTON, Feb. 28,

The Colonial Secretary has received a cable message from Dr Keywortli, late of Wellington, and now iu England, accepting the position of Resident Surgeon at the Wellington Hospital. Dr Keyworth leaves England this month. Dr M'Kellar remains in charge until March 31.

HOKITIKA, Feb. 28,

A remarkably heavy storm • of wind and rain occurred here yesterday, causing a big fresh in the river, and flooding the lowlying parts of the town. The Christchurch coach, due on Wednesday evening, arrived to-night. Vessels in port have been barbound since Tuesday last through stress of weather.

DUNEDIN, Pee. 28.

Miss Pomei’oy closed her season here tonight without any previous intimation, paid off her company, and proceeds to San Francisco at once, with her husband, Mr Elliott.

The taking of evidence in the Wairarapa collision case has been concluded. The evidence is to be forwarded to the Minister of Marine.