AUCKLAND NEWS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIX, Issue 11540, 29 March 1898, Page 5

AUCKLAND NEWS.

[Per Press Association.]

AUCKLAND, March 28.

The inquiry into the fire which destroyed the Drapery Supply Company’s block is proceeding, and is likely to last for several days. Mr Beeham, manager of the clothing department, deposed that he left a few minutes before ten, and left two assistants taking stock. He was examined closely as to smoking on the premises, and said that he did not smoke, and believed that his assistants were not smokers. At the Police Court Charles Bloomfield, a “ Cheap Jack,” was fined ss, and costs, for selling goods on the Wednesday halfholiday. This afternoon the Primate gave a reception at Bishopscourt in order to enable clergy of all denominations, representatives of secondary education and leading citizens to meet Mr W. H. Salmon, M.A., travelling secretary of the Australasian Students’ Christian Union, who delivered an able address. Among those who were present were the Chairman and other members of the Education Board, clergy of the Anglican, Presbyterian, Wesleyan, Congregational and Baptist Churches, Rabbi Goldstein, and representative students from Auckland University, St John’s College and Prince Albert College. A vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Salmon for his address. He proceeds southward shortly.