WELLINGTON.

North Otago Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3978, 1 June 1885, Page 2

WELLINGTON.

June 9. Holliday's stationers' hall had a narrow escape of destruction by -Ire this evening, through several flycatchers in the yindow catching fire from gas. The damage was confined to goods in the windows. The fine arts exhibition committee have decided to do away with their annual display this year, and will amaloamate with the art brauch of tha New Zealand exhibition. The tender of Messrs Oimpbell and company, of Dunedin, has been accepted for the supply of creosoted steppers. The number to ba supplied i* 150,000, and the cn'ract price ia L 22 .909. Tne case of Lieutenant Purnell, in the rifle association, claiming compensation for being disqualified in a competition for the rifl-) championship will be heard in the Supreme Court on Monday. Herbert AHerdale, who confessed to the recent extensive jawelh-ry robbery was to-day committed for trial. The principal measures of the government will bo sent to the House shortly uf ter the Governor's speech is disposod of. As yet very few of the legislation have arrived here. The Bon. W. Robinson was a passenger tv Sydney to-day. In. the Banco 0 mrt to-day Judije Richmond refused the application for a new trial in the divorce case, Smith v. Smith j and Strike. Tho police are searching for the missing men (F. Liardet and J S Harris) who were shooting game on Waiararnpa Lake. Nothing has been heard of them since the 25:h ultimo. It is feared they may have been drowned in crossing the lake. The statements to be issued to policy holders in the government innurance association for and agaiußt the establishment of local boards have been issued.