INTERPROVINCIAL.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 3248, 23 February 1885, Page 2

INTERPROVINCIAL.

(By Telegraph.) Auckland, Feb. 21. The foundation stone of the Weslejan Chapel, Grafton road, was laid by the Rev. Jas. Wtillisand Mr Shepherd Allen, M.P., for Newcastle-under Lyne, m the presence of a large assrinblage to-day. Napier, Ftb. 22. A man named Oiidaillo was nearly drowned when bathing on the beach yesterday. He was m the last stage of exhaustion. Mr Ziegel, Manager of the Clothing Factory, nearly met his death m attempting to rescue him. The M-BCR. for Tuapeta (Mr J. O. Brown) m company with a Southern resident, returned yesterday from an overland trip, visiting several properties between Gisborne and Wairoa under offer to them by tbe natives. The country they passed through is, m their opinion, for agricultural and grazing purposes equal to anything they have seen. The whole of it is at present unused. Wellington, Feb. 21. There is no change m the condition of the patients suffering from blood-poisoning, nor are there any freali cases. Tenders for the erection of the Exhibition buildings are to be called for immediately. The applications for space for general exhibits are required to bo sent m to the local committees this day week. Patea, Feb. 21. A five-roomed house belonging to Mr Guyatt was destroyed by fire last night. It was unoccupied, and was insured for £100 m the National offiuo. Hokitika, Feb. 21. The Engineer to the Humphrey's Gully Company reports to-day that the long tunnel drive is now reduced to 3 chains and 3D links. Driving m both faces is progressing very satisfactorily. CHEiSTCHtracn, Feb. 22. A son of Mr White, grocer, was thrown from his horse on Kiccarlon road last night, and severely injured his head. He is lying m a critical condition at the hospital. A branch office of the Mutual Life Association of Australasia has been established here m place of the former district agency. Auckland has hitherto been the principal office for the whole of- New Zealand, but on a recommendation to the Sydney Board by the Secretary (Mr J. C. Eemtnington), supported by the' Hon. Alexander Stuart, Deputy Chairman of the Association, during his -visit to Christchurch, and Mr A. G. Horton, Chairman of the Auckland branch, local Board has been formed here, with Jhe Hon. W. Reeves, M.L.C., and Mr H. B. Webb as directors, to have control over all the Company's agencies m the South Island, aided by the district agency for Otago. The Association is the second oldest m the colonies, and was the first to issue life policies free from all restrictions. The R.M. Court statistics compare as follows : — Criminal eases, 1883— Males 2459, females, 432, total 2 91; 1884-2771, 427, 3198 : increase m 1884, 307. Civil cases commenced 1883 — *273 ; heard 2041 j 18 1 4 — 4373, 2113 : increase, 100 and 72 respectively. Amount sued for 1883— £41,945 Os 9d, judgment for £19,834 O 3 7d ; 1884— £39,217 14a 3d, £20,662 9s 2d : decrease £2727 6s 6d, increase £828 8a 7d. Oamabtt, Feb. 21. The Oamaru Artillery send eight representatives to the rifle meeting m Wellington, and the Oamaru Rifles one. Dunbdin, Feb. 21. The Otago Yachting Club opened the season this afternoon. Several yachts and other sailing craft turned out, and tlie bay presented a lively appearance. The excursion train to Lake Wakatipu today took 160 passengers. The trip extends over three days. The twelve houra' walking match between Scott, of Dunedin, and Hancock, of England, came off yesterday, beginning at 11 a.m. For the first two hours Hanco.sk walked at the rate of seven miles an hour, hoping to burst Scott up, but he never got more than three-quarters of a mile ahead. Before four hours were over Hancock was beginning to fag, and Scott soon wiped off the lead. At four o'clock they were level, but Scott for an hour or two seemed to be distressed, and Hancock got a few laps ahead. Again at 8 o'clock, however, Scott freshened up, and Hancock began to fail, the former having at that hour a lead of about 150 yards, which he increased to half a mile before nine o'clock. Very shortly after tliis Hancock gave m altogether, and left the track with 50 miles 15 laps (or Blightly over the half-mile) to his credit. Scott walked time out, amid a good deal of enthusiasm, and covered 68 miles 14 laps. A good deal of money changed hands, Hancock being the favorite for the first few hours. It is believed to have been a thoroughly genuine contest. Feb. 22. The weather along the coast is reported to be very thick. This afternoon the wind Teered to the southward, with thunder, lightning and heavy rain. Inveecaegill, Feb. 21. Mr Black's flour mills at Winton wore burned down last night. The fire started at one of the walls of the building, close to where the oat shellings were kept, and is believed to be the work of an incendiary. A man employed aa a baker was sleeping up« stairs, and had only time to escape, partially dressed, by dropping from an upstairs door. There was no water, and nothing could be dono to save the mill. Nothing was saved. The building was insured for £500 m the South British. The estimated loss is about £1000 above the insurance.