INTERPROVINCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume I, Issue 11, 21 October 1879, Page 2

I NTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, Oct. 20.

A fire took place early this morning in Masefield’s Buildings, Albert-street, at Branston and Foster’s, gas fitters. Foster, one of the partners, slept on the premises, and says he was awakened by hearing sounds of falling plaster. On getting up he saw that the drawing-room and pattern loft were on fire, and gave the alarm. The fire subsided in half-an-hour, but the damage was considerable. Also the roof of Masefield’s office was destroyed, and the contents of the shop of Reynolds, a lapidary, were injured. The firm had insurances on the work-shop and patternloft to about £IOO in the New Zealand Company. The origin of the tire is unknown, but Foster thinks it arose in connection with the gas fittings. Brunchman Boreham was severely cut by falling slates, and fainted from loss of blood.

A movement is on foot to form a second Volunteer Artillery Corps, under Captain Isaacs. Forty have already joined. Wellington, Oct. 20.

The following has been officially supplied to all representatives of the press : We .are authorised by the Committee of Management of the Liberal party to state that the absurd rumors which have been circulated in the papers respecting a coalition, are entirely without foundation. No member of the party ever contemplated such a movement. We are further authorised to state that no member of the party will agree to a coalition, and no overtures of the kind have ever been made by the Opposition. Dunedin, Oct. 20.

The case arising out of the malicious accusations made by a correspondent from Hyde, and published in the “ Otago Daily Times,” has been settled by that journal giving an ample apology ; and a writ for £2,500 has been issued against the “ Mount Ida Chronicle” for the reproduction of the scandalous article against Professor Wallenburgth and Dr. Grant. BRITISH & FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE. (Reuter's Telegrams.) London, Oct. 15. The Ismyr is reported at Lloyds as missing. Oct. 16. The total reserve in notes and bullion in the Bank of England is £10,500,000. News from Capetown states that Sir Garnet Wolseley had interviewed a meeting of the Boers in Transvaal, and announced the annexation of a portion of the territory. The Boors replied that independence alone would satisfy them. Oct 17. Best Australian beef tallow, 85s per cwt.; best do., mutton, 36s per cwt.

There are large withdrawals of gold for Germany and North America. The Cape war is completed successfully. The troops have commenced to evacuate the territory of Zululand. Calcutta, Oct. 17. General Roberts has proclaimed the demolition of Balahissar. Madrid, Oct. 17. Heavy floods have taken place, rivers overflowing and causing enormous loss. Three hundred and thirty people have been drowned.