NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 466, 26 March 1909, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

(BI TJSLMttAPH—MISS ASSOCIATION.) "DRY" RACES AT MASTERTON. ' DECISION OF THE BENCH. Masterton, March 25. Mr. W. P. James, •'S.M., chairman of the Licensing Bench, has refused to grant a permit for a conditional license at. tho race meeting on April 1 and 2 on account of No-License having been carried in this electorate last November. Since that time two temporary licenses have been issued to two different gatherings in the district, but the recent decision of the Ohinemuri magistrate on the same question has been responsible for this refusal to the racing club. TIMBER COMMISSION OPENS. Invercargill, March 25. The Timber Commission opened its sittings in Invercargill to-day, but transacted only informal business, as the three North Island members were absent on account of the steamer not connecting with the first train.for the South on Wednesday. The commission will ■ visit tho Riverton district on Friday, and inspect the bush there, and also sawmilling operations, and call evidence at Invercargill on Saturday.

. JUST BUILT AND BURNED. Felldlng, March 25. A serious fife, about a mile from town, occurred this afternoon, when a dwellinghouse, the property of Mr.' L. M. Horrocks — one of tho best residences in the locality— was completely destroyed. The piano and. a few articles of furniture - were saved. The fire originated in the washhouse, and a strong wind blew it through the house before it could be extinguished. The house was only finished two months ago. The losses include a collection of valuablo wedding presents.Tho insurance on the house, which cost over £1100, was £800. There was no insurance on the furniture, tho owner having intended to take out a' policy in a day or two. MARATHON RACE. ' Ashburton, March 25. ' The New Zealand Marathon race, from Rakaia to Ashburton Domain, a distance of 18 miles 154 yards, run under the auspices of the Ashburton Amateur Cycling and Athletic Club, was'decided hero to-day, in very trying heat. Twenty-two were nominated, and eighteen started, including some of the best-known distance men of the Dominion. 1 Guy Haskins was scratched. The placed men were practically leading all the way, and the first two finished strongly, the result being:— Miles Dickson (Christchurch), Ihr. 66min. 19 l-sseo ... ... ... 1 B. J. Moore (Ashburton), 2hr. lmin. 20seo. ... 2 ,W. F. Simpson, 2hr. Bmin. 50 l-55ec.... 3 •Half of the competitors did not finish, and the plaoed men were the only ones who qualified for the sealed handicap in connection with the race, the timo limit naving expired before any of the others had finished.