LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VI, Issue 633, 22 February 1879, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Our great fears, as to the result of the Kaitangata mine explosion, lias been fully realised. All in the mine perished. How many is not known ; for only those in the mine could tell. It is thought the number reaches 40. The scene at the mouth of the pit is described as truly appalling. In one blast, of a second's duration 20 women were made widows, and 100 children orphans ! Mr. Adair, having with great expedition, caused to be made the necessary alterations in the building at the corner of the Gladstone Road & Read's Quay, formerly occupied by Messrs. Thelwall & Co., has commenced business in groceries, provisions, wines, sprits, &c. the same as carried on in lvis premises lately destroyed by five. We are requested to draw attention to a clerical error in this morning's paper, making it appear that the Bishop of Waiapu only preaches in the morning at Holy Trinity Church. The Bishop will also preach in the evening. To the Editor: Sir, — It would appear, from a local in last night's issue of the. Herald that all the Friendly Societies in Gisborne are anxious to secure the services of another surgeon. I must on behalf of the Hibernian Society assert that they are and always have been satisfied with the Branch medical attendant and will have no other so long as he is willing to attend to their wants. — I am &c, M. Jennings. As full a report of the proceedings at the , Borough and County Council's conference, held last night in the County Chambers, as our space permits, will be found elsewhere in our columns, as also a report of the usual fortnightly meeting of the County ' Council. The adjournment did not take place until nearly midnight. A professional inspector of works will arrive at Gisborne by the Hawea to-morrow. On monday he will examine into the condition of the brick walls of the Bank of New Zealand, when he will decide M'hether the whole, or what part of the walls, shall be removed to be replaced by fresh brickworks. The four race horses, shipped yesterday on board the Pretty Jane, arrived at Napier quite safe and in splendid condition. They were landed this morning without accident. The arrival of the Hawea from Tauranga and the Taupo wreck was anxiously looked for this morning ; but towards midday a telegram came to hand stating that the Hawea would not reach Gisborne until tomorrow morning. She will bring a large number of passengers, and about 40 tons of cargo, transferred from the Taupo. It will be seen by our advertising columns, that the sittings of the Assessment Court, of the Arai Highway District, will be held on Saturday next, March Ist, at the school, Whakato, instead of at Mr. Chanbers' as previously advertised. According to the Nelson Evening Mail the spot selected for the Colonial prizefiring presents every advantage that could he wished for. The ground is dry for camping on, the range is an excellent one for any number of targets that may be required, there is the Wairoa river close by for bathing purposes, and stores and provisons of every kind are obtainable in the immediate neighbourhood. The firing will commence on the first Monday in March. The numbers of competitors will probably be about 150, and visitors from all parts of the Colony are likely to be very numerous.

A special meeting of the Borough Council will be called for Monday evening, to read and consider upon Mr. Black's report of his Survey of the Waimata Waters.

Since the big pump at the Thames ceased working, carbonic acid gas has been rising rapidly in the Caledonian shaft, and is extending to other workings. The Golden Calf men as had to stop work, being driven out by the gas. One afternoon a strong easterly wind partially cleared the workings, but during the night and following day the gas accumulated rapidly, and it is now feai-ed that operations in many mines will have to cease in consequence.