TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 2651, 30 October 1906, Page 4

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

FROM OUR OW» CORRESPONDENT Dusedin this day. The State forest at Dusky, four miles beyond Kelso, was tho scene of a destructive fire on Saturday; the damage is estimated at £12,000. The guilty parties were Alfred Jolly, manager, National Bank, Tapanui, and George ITowat, fanner. They lit a fire to boil the billy and the wind blew the sparks on to the forest. The trial before the Magistrate at Onmaru of John Findlay, accused of the murder of llennie, the Papakaio schoolmaster, has commenced. No fresh evidence so far has been elicited and nothing of a gravely incriminating character adduced. The San Francisco mail arrived at Auckland yesterday, one week overdue. CLOSE OF PARLIAMENT. Parliament closed yesterday. The Pre 63 generally congratulates Ward on his conduct of business, which is in marked contrast to previous years. Mr Laurenson took occasion to con demn many items on the supplementary estimates, which he said filled him with shame. Many members sympathised with Mr Laurenson while hold : ing the Government blameless, as these items were a legacy. Mr Fraser (Wakatipu) twitted Laur?nson with not having condemned these things long ago. They had caused the Opposition ' shame and indignation " for years. Sir J. G. Ward attacked Mr Fraser and defended Mr Seddon, whereupon Mr Massey protested against J. G. Ward's remarks, and the Speaker called him to order. THE EXHIBITION. The Premier and Ministers have left for Christchurch for the opening of the Exhibition ori Thursday. Everything promises for a big attendance and there is much enthusiasm. The city is filling up and the weather keeps tine.