TELEGRAPHIC

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 9274, 21 April 1891, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. I

Dunedin, April 20.

An uninhabited house of eight rooms, in which was stored a quantity of grain, was destroyed by lire at Hatton on Saturday night. The property was owned by I*. Ford, and was insured iu the South British for £l5O.

It is stated the Government have decided to retain Mr Maitland ns Commissioner of Crown Lands.

Westport, April 20. Vary little interest is taken in the local option poll to-day. Although the prohibitionists worked quietly against an increase of publicans’ licenses, and succeeded In effecting their aim by a narrow majority of two, tho poll for all other licensee was in favour of an increase.

The poll of the ratepayers in the Charleston Riding for a loan for water race purposes was carried by a majority of 12. The total export of coal for the week was 3600 tons.

Wanganui, April 20.

Francis Trevelyan Kenny was charged at the Polioo Court this morning with having set fire to tho Commercial Hotel, burnt down yesterday, and was remanded for eight days.

Nelson, April 20.

Arthur Lawrenson Bristow, manager of the National Bank, died yesterday, after a long illness.

Lyttelton, April 20. H.M.S. Cnragoa has sailed for a few days' cruise.

Christchurch, April 20.

The whole of the proposals of the City Council Works and Finance Committees to dismiss tho City Surveyor, employ one inspector instead of two, and teduOb the amount of the Town Clerk’s salary were rejected by tbs Council to-night. Auckland, April 20. An inquest into tho recent fire on board the ship i eading Wind was held to-day at the Waverley Hotel before Dr Pbilsoo, Coroner. Captain Hinchloy, late master of the vessel, said that he believed the fire arose from spontaneous combustion, and this opinion was also given by Captain Marlng, wharf stevedore. However, tho jury re* turned an open verdict, at the same time suggesting that tho Government should enquire as to whether fiax is liable to spontaneous combustion. The sheep owners of Matakana having formed ca association to protect their interests, similar steps hare now been taken at Kaukapakapa, where a Farmers’ Association has been established to take cognisance of all matters relating to the farmers of Auckland.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Masierton, April 20.

Interest ia being taken in the approaching School Committee election. Fourteen candilates are out for Maaterton.