NEW ZEALAND

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 2, Issue 224, 23 December 1880, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND

(Per Press Association.} A Bridge on Fire. Auckland, To-day

Yesterday the large railway bridge at Mechanic’s Bay was discovered to bo on fire, but the flames were quickly extinguished. They are believed to have originated from a live coal dropped between the woodwork by the tender. The Lord’s Prayer in Schools.

The Scripture Gift Association, having asked permission of the Minister of Education to place illuminated cards with the Lord's Prayer and Commandments in public schools, the Government reply that the matter is one to be dealt with by the local authorities.

A Damper. Grahamstown, To-day.

Another test of 4-h tons of quartz from the Bright Smile claim, Te Aroha, is just completed for return of 2ozs. retorted gold. The result is not considered satisfactory. The proprietors are desirous of having a reliable test. The miners are returning from the new field for the holidays, and nothing will be done for several weeks. The feeling here is not so sanguine regarding the prospects of the field. Hematite. It is proposed to form a company to word the deposit of hematite found here. Large workshops are to be. erected here at once, and artizans are coming from England. Bankruptcies. Dunedin, To-day. Four small insolvencies have been filed this week. Dead. Mr. John McNeill, for many • years with Briscoe and Company, died rather suddenly to-day.