AUCKLAND.

Waikato Times, Volume II, Issue 90, 26 November 1872, Page 2

AUCKLAND.

(Fllpil QUK OWN i-OKlrf:-ii^»^J;s¥>?-) Nove-mber 23, T.ik all-ab.-oj-bing topic of comment-for the-past, few days lias b.vn the late destruction of the pile of buildings, in, Fort and Shorthuid streets. Whatever the lire ewei its origin to, it is pretty certain that the destruction of the best structure in the city is to be attributed to the most erimina} carelessness and incapacity on the part of the rival brigade leaders, who from a narrow feeling ot jealousy, thwarted one another's operations at the most critical period of the tire by indulging in a most unseemly squabble, and when a couple of bucketsful of water promptly applied tq the Tost Otlice building would have saved, it, tuid. the country the loss .of £20,01)0 ; instead of which, as is usual at ihvs in Auckland, the full force of the water was spent upon buildings that were doomed. Several acts of heroism were performed during the progress of the. tlamcs. Chic man mounted the roof of the Provincial buildings in the face of the most intense heat, reached the seat of the iirc at a time when it could have been covered with his hat, and solicited water. It unfortunately happened, however, that the hose would have had. to have passed from the hands of one brigade into that of the other, and the- request was unheeded. To this incident is the destruction of the block due. Up to the present time there is no indication of any enquiry being held, although the above facts are patent to every one. The Star, however, lias boldly spoken in the matter, and demands the disbanding of the two present inefficient corps, and the appointment of some e.rpfiuenettd .And responsible person.

The Bay of IHenli/] Times is hi bad'odour w'jtth a portion of its readers on account ol'its scurrility, and a correspondent has written to the JYV-ro Zealand Herald as a veut to his wounded ii-eliiigs. lam not surprised at it, and am onlv astonished' thsvt its proprietor has not figured in tlic Police Court, ere, now for libel. The aggrieved, however, may console himself with, the tlattering unction thai sooner or later it will eome homo to the author.

A man named James Durdwood, formerly of the Fourth Wuiliato Militia, met with a shocking death at the. Thames on Friday last. He was employed on tlio ladder of the Imperial Crown Pumping Association shaft at the 220 feet level,' when the light lie Mas working with was suddenly missed by his mate, who was forking some thirty fret ahove. Xo response being given to a call from above, a, search was made, but only jjunvood's hat and one of his boots were discovered lodged on one of the ilanges of the temporary lifts undergoing repair.. The body has since been recovered in a mutilated state. An inquest was held, and a verdict of " Accidental death " was returned.

The musical world, of Auckland is now being dejisrhted with tiro treat alforded them by Lystcr and Cagli's Opera Company, although I am sorry to say it is not meeting with full support. The first two performances were given at the Choral Hall, iSymonds-street. Fn .consequence of the meagre support, however, the Prince of Wales Theatre was chosen, and the attendance, was much improved. A difficulty, has since arisen in tho matter of season tickets, which necessitates the return of the eo.mpany to the Choral Hall, as the holders threaten proceedings unless faith is kept "with them. The step is to be regretted, as.it-will" , involve Messrs. Lysler and Cagli in. considerable loss.

A case of sticking-up is reported to have taken place between Papakura and Drury. Two men made an attack on Captain Kenny, who was riding through Chisholm's bush Jatq in the evening. One of them secured the horso's bridle with one hand and the Captain's leg with the other, but before his companion, rendered l\hn any assistance, Captain Kenny struck the wquld-be-high\vuyman down with the butt end of his whip and escaped.

In mining aifnirs there, is nothing very cheering to report. Caledonian shares. arc selling, at JEJ'I 10s; Cures, lils. Iμ other stocks there is not the slightest business cjoing.