DUNEDIN. June 17.

North Otago Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2225, 18 June 1879, Page 2

DUNEDIN. June 17.

The contract for the Dunedin railway reclamation works hoi at length been definitely stgnod. Tho successful tenderers are Messrs Pritchard and Co., and tho amount of their tender is L 58,487 10s. On account of au intimation that Misi Dalrymplo has in the press a pamphlet on the subject, the Dunedin School Committee did not discuss the question of penny banks in schools last night, but it ii understood that the head masters of the city schools have reported adversely on the movement. The main portion of the Dnnedin Athenesum building, and part of the library was destroyed by fire at an early hour this morning. An entrance to the building having been effected, Lieutenant Carmalt saved the Ladies' Challenge Shield, which has been kept in the institution, and a fow minutes later the Brigade arrived. Four jets of water wero turned on the roof, which fell in, and it was thought that all the books must have been destroyed by either fire or water. An examination of tho premises to-day, however, shows that although both the library and tha reading room are a complete wreck, the reference library, the ladiee' room, and the new portion of the library, where the more valuable books were kept, are wholly uninjured. The principal damage has been done to the novels, periodicals, and newspapers, and the librarian's book has been destroyed. The last person in the building last night was G'eroge Martin, actingassistant librarian, and he states that on leaving the premises at five minutes past ten he raked out tho fire just bohind the librarian's desk, leaving a few live embers burning. There can be but little doubt that it was here the fire originated, it having burned about 18 inches from the fender, and then travelled along the floor about throe feet till it got hold of some loose books near the librarian's desk. The only injury done to the lower part of the building was by water, and this is but slight. The Athennum building and books were insured in New Zealand office for L3OOO, but it is claimed that only L2OOO was on the portion destroyed. We hear that the insurance representatives intend disposing of the salvage stock by auction shortly. Mr Hay, a picture dealer, who occupies a shop in the front portion of the bmldin?, loses L 77 through damage, by water. Ue was insured for LBOO in the National office. It will probably be three months before the Athennnm can be opened again. Meantime it is proposed to obtain the use of the books in possession of the Education Board for public libraries. The branch line connecting the Shag Point Coal Company's mine with the main trunk line was formally opened for traffic to-day. The line is a mile and three quarters long, and cost L 5,400. The Shag Point coal has for some time been nsed on the engines between Oamaru and Palmortton, and instruction* have been given for its use botween Oamaru and Dnnedin. Tho company, which oonsists of eight persons, have spent L 25,000 during the past year in the construction of the line aud the development of the mine. MrE. H. Carew, R.M., of Lawrence, will probably take Mr Bathgate's place, and' Major Keddell, who is on his way from Auckland, will go to Lawrenoe has R.M. and Warden. Mr J. 0. Brown, M.H.R., was married yesterday to the widow of the late Dr. Halley, of Lawrenoe.