TELEGRAMS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11303, 22 December 1898, Page 6

TELEGRAMS.

(Per United Press "Association.)

AUCKLAND, December 21

'At the inquiry into the fire which destroyed Maiden's boarding house at.Waitekauri a verdict was returned "That 'the house was wilfully set on fire, but there is not sufficient evidence to show by whom."

A. Feme, an Austrian, has written to the Governor.of Dalmatin, Austria, begging him to issue a notification warning any more Austrians against, coming out to the Auckland gumfields. He also asks, the Austrian Government to appoint a consul in Auckland ■who oan speak the Slavonic language to •whom Austrians in the province already can and lay'their grievances.

'■ WELLINGTON, December 21. Dr George Kenny, at present in charge of the hospital'at Hamilton, has been appointed medical superintendent at Rotorna Sanatorium. , In regard to the proposal to connect New Zealand lighthouses with telegraph stations, the Government have decided to consult Admiral-Pearson as to which he thinks are the most important connections to be made from a strategical point of view. The Government are communicating with v tlie Agent-general with a view to ascertaining .the terms upon which at least four veterinary surgeons can be obtained in Eng- ■ land for service in New Zealand. : fTho' City-Council hits adopted a .more

stringent by-law as to building regulations, fire escapes, and the like. In the course of his speech at the mayoral installation ' Mr Blair said it would be the duty of the council, to reorganise the Fire Brigade in such a way as would give the city satis- • faction. He thought it -would be reasonable for the council to ask the Government (which derived very considerable benefit from the fire service and paid no rates to- assist the council in its maintenance) to contribute ''something in consideration of that benefit; and it ought to be something considerable. • ■ The principal portion of the Mokiliinui coal mine, together with 150 tons of coal and a quantity of machinery, were soid by auction to-day, the purchasers being the New Zealand Government, at £4500. The registrar of old age pensions has senc iorms of application to every post •office m the colony, with instructions that they are to be available to the public immediately. ' ■