SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 539, 23 January 1878, Page 2

SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

[from our own correspondents.] —■ • DUNEDIN. • January 23. The directors of the Colonial Bank of New Zealand have resolved to recommend a dividend of six per cent, on the paid up capital, to add L4OOO to the reserve fund (which will then stand at L 16,000), and to carry over L2lll, the undivided profits, to the next half-year. Strengthening and consolidating the bank as a sound and permanent institution, rather than aiming at paying the largest dividends, is the evident policy of the directors. The Intercolonial cricket match—Otago v. Canterbury—will be played in Dunedin towards the end of February. ♦ CHRISTCHURCH. January 23. The places destroyed here by fire this morning were—the premises of Roberts, watchmaker ; Parker's registry office ; Al Hotel, and Beath's drapery business. The Fire Brigade, in the absence of Superintendent Harris, became thoroughly disorganised, and the water supply gave out four times. The losses are estimated at over L 20,000, while insurances reach L 17.215, made up as follows :—Phoenix, L 2000; London and Gh.be, L 1950 ; National, L 1925 ; South British, LIOOO ; Victoria, LI6OO ; Transatlantic, LISOO ; New Zealand, London and Lancashire, Standard, and Union, LIOOO each ; other companies, L 1725. «, HAMPDEN. i January 23. ■ An inquiry was held to-day by T. W. Parker, Esq., R.M., and Captain Mathe- ; sou, at the request of the Collector of , Customs, Oam aru, into the stranding of • the Huon Belle. The decision of the • Court was that the master's certificate of ; Robert Hughes be suspended for six months.