TIMARU. January 3.

North Otago Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2082, 4 January 1879, Page 2

TIMARU. January 3.

The nomination of Mr Buckingham ai against John Studholme, at Waimate, yeiterday, for the Gladstone seat in the General Assembly, was a great mrpriie. He has now retired in faror of Mr Studholme, who i* duly elected, and who is a strong opponent of the present Government, and favors denominational education. The interruption of good* traffic, by damage to the Rangitata railway bridge is causing rery great inoonvenience in Timaru, as large quantities of wool, grain, stone, and other productions are accumulating. During the week some showers hare fallen, and in some cases hare proved a great benefit to the crops. Harvest will generally begin in a few days, and already reapers are at work. It is expected that oats will open at 3s to 3s 3d, and wheat 3s to 4s 9d. No transactions of importance are reported during the week but a feeling of enquiry is being manifested by millers. An inquiry was heH to-day into the late fire near Timaru by which a lar^e amount of property belonging to Judge Ward and others was destroyed. The following verdict was returned :—": — " That the fire in question originated from sparks from an engine," adding as a rider " That the jury consider it advisable that railway engines should be provided with sparkcatchers on the most approved principle."