PROVINCIAL ITEMS.

Otago Witness, Issue 1444, 26 July 1879, Page 9

PROVINCIAL ITEMS.

Invercargill, July 17th. G. Goodwillie and J. W. Bain were proposed yeßterday for the Mayoralty of InvercargilL The latter is untiied in municipal affairs ; the former has been a councillor for seven years, and has worked bard for the town. The poll will take place on the 21st July. Julyl9tb. ! William Crawford, baker, died suddenly in the bakehouse at Riverton yesterday. Heartdisease is the supposed cause of death. July 20th. A heavy snow-storm occurred yesterday afternoon. About a couple of inches fell in town, but it is feared the fall in the country district has been very large. The election of Mayor is creating Borne Httlo interest. The conttafc to-morrow is expected to be a very spirited one. Messrs Goodwillie and Bain are the candidates. July 21st. The poll for tbe Mayoralty election took place to-day, and resulted as follows : — Goodwillie, 314 ; Bain, 309. Mr Goodwillie was therefore declared elected. For the Mayoralty of North Invercargill there was a tie between Messrs Garmaon and Thomson, and a fresh election will ensue. The Kingston train arrived there a couple of hours late, having been detained through the line beiog blocked up with snow. The return train has not reached town yet. July 22nd. 313 1 Mr J. R. Brunton, of Dunedin, delivered the first of a Beries of lectures on " The Great Pyramid " this evening to a large and appreciative audience. Railway communication with Kingston was restored to-day. Naseby, July 17th. Mr Walter Inder was eltcted Mayor of Naseby to-day without opposition. July 21st. Mr H. G. Smith, agent of the Bank of New Zealand heie, died on Sunday morning. The deceahed gentlesnan was much respected for his kind and amiable disposition. In Mr Smith the Bank loses a most energetic officer. Jiily 22nd. The winter here is still almost arctic in intensity. For over six weeks frost and snow have never left us, with tbe exception of the few days which preceded the late floods at Taieri and elsewhere. So severe have been the frosts that in rooms in which fires have been kept the entire day, the thermometer in the morning is, as a rule, at 10 degrees below freezing point, and outside, even in sheltered places, much lower. Trade has been and i 3 still absolutely stagnant, with the exception of that of the undertakers, which has been unusually active. Grim Death has lately had it all his own way, and several good and valuable citizens have been called away, the majority being- under middle ag«. Among these I m»y mention G. F. Newinarch, accountant in bankruptcy, apre 35; Geo. Jearneaux, miner, 27 ; Geerge Clarketown, clerk, 53 ; H. G. Smith, agent for the Bank of New Zealand, 38 ; while Eeveral persons remain on the sick list.

Lawrence, July 22nd. Last night, about 9 15, a brilliant meteor passed over Lawrence from west to east, burst. ing into many pieces as it descended towards the eas'ern horizon. The illumination of the town and its surroundings was magnificent. It appeared as*one globe of fire ; but at Waipori it is described as having a tail 12 feet long. It waß accompanied by a loud rumbling noise, somewhat resembling thunder. The time it was observed is variously estimated at from two to three minutes, and it travelled majestically, like a large illuminated balloon.

Oamahu, July 18 tb. The Harbour Board have made arrangements with the bank whereby they will be in a position to proceed with the work of extending the breakwater pending the floating of the loan.