AUSTRALIA.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 2, Issue 123, 21 September 1877, Page 3

AUSTRALIA.

Sydney, September 19

Arrived Easby,

**INTERPROVINCIAL TELEGRAMS.

Auckland, September 20. Fire at Lunatic Asylum, caused by female mmate setting fire to mattress purposely, alarm given by night watchman. Matron and Dr Aitken opened dormitory doors to allow rescue of inmates. Fire discovered in refractory cell at back of building, and spreading Tapidly; doors with difficulty opened, some cells having to be broken in for the rear to rescue terror stricken inmates. Many dragged out by warders ; 182 lunatics were got out, 63 of whom were females. Scene on lawn almost defied description ; * many patients refractory, requiring much attention to prevent escape. Many unruly tied to fence. One female supposed burnt. Building originally insured in N.Z. Company for £10,000, but ...General . Government aliovfeS policy to lapse.

Nelson, Sept. 20. Schooner Zior, which left Timaru for Hokitika, August Ist, put in her«s last night, after trying for long time '. with other vessels to enter Ifokitika. |Last Sunday whole fleet had to run for it. fcmme evening tremendous sea broke on board, bursting in cabin house, oDe of the timbers striking and killing Charles Aitken, another man named Moreton Mathieson being washed overboard. Vessel considerably damaged. Hokitika, Sept. SO. Robert Hogg, for bank robbery, sentenced to twelve months' imprisonment with hard labour. Scarlet fever prevails to alarming extent among children. Steamer Wallace on shore at North Spit. Heenan, for perjury, sentenced to four months' imprisonment.

Wellington, September '20.

Market quotations.—Colonial Hour, 16s 10d to 18s ; hams, 9£d; bacon, B|d ; smoked, 7d ; cheese 7d ; potatoes, £2 16s.