NEW ZEALAND.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2738, 30 December 1881, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND.

(Pbb -Press Association.). Election difficulties* Wellington, Dec. 30. “ The Rodney Writ was received by the Clerk' of Writs _by mail this morning. The delay will .be put right by ah Order in Council, and the irregularity in regard to Waikouaiti will also be corrected in the same manner, but it is still doubtful whether the Act will enable the Governor in Council to direct a return for Hokitika,.under the circumstances. ; ( Fire at Havelock* Havelock, Dec. 30. . Hutchinson's Masonic , Hotel and James Smith’s; store and outbuildings -.were.burned down last ■ night. Brownlee and Co.’s, Miller Bros.’ store, Fear s Hotel, and Benemore’s, bad a narrow escape. -The insurances were : Hutchinson's Hotel, > the National. £500; Transatlantic, • £350,; Smith s store in the Victoria, £SOO ; Union, £BOO.- ;... _ • ■' The Waipa SafeChristchurch, Dec. 30. The New Zealand 'Shipping-Company have received cable advices containing the safe arrival of the ship Waipa at London,' The wind* A furious nor’-west gale has been, blowing here all day. Improvement of Dunedin Harbor. ' - i Dunedin, Dec. 30. The steamer Penguin was brought up close alongside the Rattray-street wharf to-day. She grounded slightly off Raverisbourne, but returned at full tide easily. It is generally admitted that the ; trip was a success and that the money spent on the channel'has been productive of great good. The Hon. Mr Oliver, Mr Fergus, M.H.R., and Fish, M.H.R., spoke strongly in favor of the Board’s operations. It is expected that in three months time all inter colonial vessels will be able to come up to Dunedin. ;