LATEST TELEGRAPHIC.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1249, 6 February 1896, Page 29

LATEST TELEGRAPHIC.

AN UNREHEARSED EFFECT IN "SAVED FROM THE SEA." Christ-church, February 4. An oxygen retort blew up behind the scenes at Mr Bland Holt's opening performance of "Saved from the Sea" to-night. C. A. Seager, electrician, and R. Newman, assistant, were cut and burned, but not so badly as to disable them. The explosion created no excitement among the audience, who oppareiitly looked upon it as connected with the perfoimance. DROWNING ACCIDENT. Aucknanb, February 4. John Hewson, master of the coastal steamer Waitoa, was drowned at Wairoa South last night—it is believed while clearing the propeller. He leaves a widow and a large family. Formerly he was second mate of the ship Crusader. Timaru, February 4. At the Supreme Court Criminal Session only two prisoners were presented for trial. John T. Anderson, for horse-stealing, was sentenced to two years' imprisonment, and William Cobeldock, for sheep-stealing, to six months' imprisonment. Wanganui, February 4. A fire broke out at 10.30 o'clock to-night in the Adelaide Tea Rooms in the Avenue, occupied by Mrs O'Shannessy, and owned by J. H. Keesing. The fire spread to Keesing's auction mart next door, but although the flames had a good hold before the alarm was eiven, they were quickly suppressed, the damage to the mart being mainly caused by the water. Insurances —Kcesing, stock, £250 London and Lancashire, and £250 Commercial Union ; building, £3OO New Zealand. Mrs O'Shannessy, stock, £l5O London and Lancashire.

Thames, February 4. The Rev Mr Walker, secretary of the New i Zealand Alliance, addressed a public meeting ' of 200 people last night, the Mayor presiding, j A resolution was passed protesting against j the Legislative Council's rejection of the ! national option clauses, urging the Govern- I meat to re-introduce them next session, and, I : if again rejected, to appeal to the country j ] upon them ; also, protesting against the ex- I I elusion of clubs from the local option vote. i Dunedin, February 4. i " "??Cli2}i c — Home, late secretary of tho I Dunedm Finan*oT a aff4-fe£ .£?m£any was , before the Magistrate's Court and was remanded till Monday next. It was : stated that the defalcations imputed to him I amounted to .£IOOO. Kobert McTaggett, in charge of the tram stable, was fined £3, and John Alger, driver, 20s, to-day, for working a horse with open sores in a tram car. Nelson, February 4. Herr Balling, late principal of the Nelson School of Music, with Mr Maughan Barnett, | of Wellington, gave a concert last night, when they were accorded an enthusiastic reception. Mr Pitt, on behalf of the students of the School of Music, presented a piece of silver plate to Herr Balling, together with an address, and spoke highly of the good work done by Herr Balling, who, in reply, spoke hopefully of the future of the school. Herr Balling leaves for Europe by the Gothic. Gisborne, February 4. The Caledonian Society's annual gathering was held to-day in glorious weather. The Caledonian Handicap was won by McDonald (Gisborne) ; O'Brien (Napier), 11 points, second ; Harding (Gisborne), 4 points, third. Lockhead (Danevirke) was first in Highland fling dancing. The special prize for most points in dancing was awarded to Thomson (Oamaru). O'Brien (Napier) won the Hop, Step and Jump.