NEW ZEALAND

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 2, Issue 345, 16 May 1881, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND

[rr.ll PRKSS ASSOCIATION.] FireAuckland, To-day. A large two- storey building in Wakefield street, occupied by H, Hitchens’ manufacturer of blood restorer, was totally destroyed by lire last night. A double cottage adjoining was partially destroyed. All Hitchens’ furniture and plant were consumed. He was insured for LSOO in the Royal. The house was owned by the City Council, and was insured for LIOO in the National and LIOO in the South British. The adjoining building was the property of the Council, and was also insured for LIOO in the National and LIOO in the South British. The chimney in Hitchens’ house hod been on fire during the day, and it is believed was not wholly extinguished, or that some sparks had smouldered amongst the shingles. A Bad Cough.

George Foster, a general dealer in Wellesley street, rose in his usual health but after lighting the fire he went up to his bedroom, where he was seized with a violent fit of coughing. Froth oozed from his mouth, and ho died in a few minutes. At the inquest a verdict of death from natural causes, supposed to he congestion of the brain, from violent coughing, was returned. The Governor Regrets. Dunedin, To-day. His Excellency the Governor telegraphs, regretting his inability to be present at the opening of the Dunedin Industrial Exhibition, as he cannot leave Wellington just now. The Census. The census returns for W;vkouaiti County show—males, 1158 ; females, 934 ; decrease, 80. Taieri County—males, 4,225; females, 3,252; decrease, 397, which is owing to a portion of the Waikari riding being formed into a borough. Peninsula County—males, 1,301 ; females, 1,124; increase, 230.