AUCKLAND.

Otago Witness, Issue 2688, 20 September 1905, Page 31

AUCKLAND.

A man entered the Parnell Po=t Office at 5 p.m. on tho 11th, and intormed the lad in charge that he wished to inspect the gas meter. Proceeding behind the counter the man pulled out the drawee and grabbed the cashbox. The lad grappled with the man, who struck tho lad to the floor, but dropped the cashbox and escaped. The money was 1 scattered over the flocr. To allow the scholars to get the benefit of free tuition in the secondary schools, the Education Board ha^ reduced the value of the junior district scholarships from £15 to £10 and senior from £20 to £10. Boarding allowances, which have been insufficient, are now mei eased by from £1 to £25 tor junior and to £30 for senior scholars. The examination for junior district scholarships will hereafter be that for junior national scholarships. Girls' high school scholarships will' be £10 and boarding allowance £30. Junior national students are not allowed to hold more than one scholarship. Florence Neal, a girl, pleaded guilty at the Police Court to having attempted to commit suicide. The girl had some trouble with Her lover, and she foolishly swallowed a decoction of match heads. The girl was convicted, and ordered to come up for sentence when called on, it being understood she would go into the Door of Hope Institution for three months. A destructive fire occurred at the Parnell Orphar-s' Home at 8 on Snuday morning. The boys and Kirla' dormitories, the matron's quarters, dispensary, workroom, c-tc, were completely destroyed. Tno fire originated in the workroom, but no reason can" be assigned for it, as no fire or h?ht had been there since Thursday, and the room was perfectly safe at 7.30 a.m. The insurance on the' buildings and contents is £1675, in the New Zealand office. The nurseries, kitchen, and school in the other building's had a narrow escape. Dr Gordon had a narrow escape from a serious accident on Monday. In driving over a railway crossing hp did not notice an approaching train until it was almost on to him. He threw himself out of the car, and escaped serious injury. The motor car was carried along by the train for some distance, and evantuallj thrown over an embankment. .„ Tho fire at St. Stephen's Orphan Home, Parnell; broke out while the children were at breakfast. The children were removed to tho 'adjoining paddock, where a distressing " scene was witnessed, many of the little ones crying bitterly as they watched the destruction of their home and belongings. There were 90 inmates, including the staff. The building, except the nursery, was completely destroyed.' T'hs insurance is about £1675' on' the buildings and contents. "The loss 'above the insurance is about £550".