INTERCOLONIAL. (Per Press Association.)

Otago Witness, Issue 1974, 19 September 1889, Page 13

INTERCOLONIAL. (Per Press Association.)

Melbourne, September 13. A disastrous fire broke out at 6.30 this evening in the principal part of Collins street, one of the main thoroughfares of the city. At latest advices the fire was still burning v

George's four-storied drapery establishment, and Glen's music seller's shop, are completely destroyed. Allen's music shop, and Mullen's, the principal bookseller in Melbourne, are also expected to be a total loss.

September 15. The fire which broke out last night spread with alarming rapidity, and the end of Collins street presented a magnificent, though unfortunate, scene. Allen's music shop was partially destroyed, but Mullen's book shop was untouched, tbongh considerable loss has been entailed by the removal of perishable stock.

Mr George, who owns the large drapery establishment which fell a victim to the flames in the early stage of the fire, is insured for £44,000. The other insurances are as yet unknown.

The total damage by the fire is roughly estimated at £200,000.

While the fire was raging one or two walls fell, and John M'Leod, a fireman, was killed. Ten others were badly injured, while two are missing, and it is feared are buried in the rains.

The bodies of Leignt (sic) and Johnston, the firemen buried under the walls which fell at Friday night's fire, have been re-

A man named Michael Walsh presented a pistol at Mr Dillon in the street. He was arrested, and the pistol found to be unloaded. The man had previously threatened Mr Dillon. Walsh states that the league owes him £2000, the value of cattle distrained by his landlord at Waterford. He appealed to Mr Dillon for the money without success.

The following shows the extent to which New Zealand offices are interested in the fire in Collins street :— George's establishment — New Zealand, Colonial, £1000 each ; Equitable, £750. Glen's — Colonial, £1000 ; National and Union, £500 each ; New Zealand, £2000.

Costello, who was convicted on a charge o£ murdering a woman named Annie Thornton at the beginning of July, was executed to-day.

The Government have abandoned the most important proposals of the timber duty relating to the decrease of sizes of undressed blocks. '

Mr Bell, M.L.C., who bas occupied a seat in the Cabinet since its formation, without salary, succeeds the late Sir James Lorimer as Minister for Defence. September 17.

The man Walsh, who presented a pistol at Mr Dillon in the street, was sentenced to three months' imprisonment.

Floods in the Upper Murray continue, and great distress has been caused among the working classes. A relief subscription has been started in aid of the sufferers. All business in the districts affected has been suspended. The township of Cobrain is 4ft; under water, and the river is still rising. Several houses have been swept away, and many abandoned.

Sydney, September 13.

H.M. Rapid leaves to-day to rescue the crew of the barque Garston, which was wrecked at Staarbuck Island.

So far as is known here no clergyman named Furnell has died leaving a legacy of £1,400,000.

The New South Wales Government have declined a proposal from the Victorian Government for the appointment of a conference to deal with the question of securing uniformity in school books. The South Australian Government have agreed to the

•tember 12.

proposal. &ep Disastrous floods have been experienced at Echuca, a town situated on a peninsula formed by the Murray and Carapaspe rivers, 156 miles north of Melbourne. Many persons have been rendered homeless, and are living in tents pitched on the high ground. Boats have been sent from Melbourne to rescue the residents from their unfortunate position.

Deniliquin is surrounded by water. The floods caused by the melting of snow in the high ranges have reached Albury, where the river Murray is 15ft above the summer level. They are expected at Deniliquin on Sunday week, when the town will be submerged. The inhabitants are making preparations to meet

Ie crisis.

The largest flood ever known is coming down the Murray river. September 16.

A drover named Eppel was shot dead by his mate, Eiley, near Wagga. The murderer was captured after au exciting chase of over four miles.

Adelaide, September 16.

It is estimated that the wheat yield at the end of the coming harvest will average 13 bushels an acre.

Brisbane, September 16

Sir Thos. M 'll wraith is understood to have resigned the vice-presidency of the Council, owing to dissensions.