TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1374, 19 October 1886, Page 3

TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

Temperance. Auckland, October 19, Matthew Barnett closes a series of temperance meeting in Anckland to-night prior to leaving for the Thames and other places. Daring the fortnight he has spoken two and three times every d%y and administered the pledge to over 609. Presentation. The Rev J. Robertson of the Congregational Church, was entertained at a farewell soiree last night anl pre ented with several oil paintings of Auckland scenery on the occasion cf his removing to Kew South Wales. More Fires.

A blacksmith and cooperage premises at Onebnnga, occupied by James Gibbons, were destroyed by fire at 4 a.m. to-day. The contents were demolished, including £4OO worth of cooperage machinery lately imported, a steam engine, etc The origin of the fire is unknown. The premises and stock were insured in the Union office for £4BO. 9he total loss is estimated at £IOOO.

An incipient fire was discovered last night in Hill’s large wooden block, Eden Terrace, but extinguished promptly. Incendiarism is strongly suspected, but after a recent acquittal by a jury, the police feel disinclined to prosecute the suspected party. Had the fire not been discovered, a very extensive block of buildings would have been destroyed. It is stated that the stock in the shop where the outbreak took place was insured yesterday lor £2OO. Fire. Chbistchduoh, October 19. E. Peace's store and dwellinghouse at Doyieston were burned down at 1 am. to-day Insurances on the building, £l6O in the Colonial; stock, £IOO in the Standard. Alleged Murder. Oamaeu, October 19. The woman Sargeson, charged wiih the mnrder of her child, was brought before the Bench to-day and remanded for a week. A Claim. Invebc AKoiiiL, October 19. At a meeting of the Bluff Harbor Board tc-day a letter was received from Mr Solomon, Solicitor, of Dunedin, on behalf of D. McLeod, owner of the Maid of Otago, claiming £9OO for the lots cf that vessel. He alleges that the wreck occurred through the negligence of the Board in not marking the position of the wreck of the S.S. Pelham with a light or buoy. The Board decided not to entertain the claim and instructed its solicitor to defend it- Several members deprecated the practice of holding priva'e enquiries Into wrecks as had been done in the case of the Maid of Otago and the Government schooner Kakeno. It was held that any enquiries being private had exposed the Board to unfair attack. The Chairman said he would write to the Minister of Marine suggesting the advisability of all ■nob enquiries being open to the public.