BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

Evening Star, Issue 3884, 5 August 1875, Page 3

BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

Wellington, August 4. It is understood that Mr Fenton, Judge of the Native Lands Court, will temporarily undertake the duties of the District Court Judge and R.M, at Auckland, pending permanent arrangements.

August 5, Eliza Smith—on whose evidence Cameron was convicted of rape, and sentenced at the last sitting of the Supreme Court to ten years’ and two whippings—was to-day committed for trial for perjury.

Auckland, August 4. The Star says that the Hero is likely to be purchased from Messrs Bright Brothers by the Australian Steam Navigation Company. The surveyors of the latter examined the engines while the steamer was last in Sydney and are about to make a full survey. The price is stated to be L 24,000. e Judge Gillies left perTaupo for Nelson to-

_ m , Lyttelton, August 4 j.l. » Tuesday, at 8.30 p.m., a fire broke out at the Mitre Hotel. It arose fr-un the servants’ room, and is supposed to have originated through a candle being left alight and catching the curtains, and thus communicating with the roof. The Eire Brigade and Police worked nobly. At one time it was thought that the fire must proceed up Canterbury street, but owing to the great exertions used and the blank space between tho Mitre and Bodden’s stables its progress was checked in that direction. Meanwhile, a number of people had been employed in pulling down Mr Robinson’s (sailmaker), shop, which was on fire. Dr Donald s house, next door, had a very narrow escape, and was on fire several times, but owing to the strenuous>xertions of the Brigade and other assistants, it was saved. Had the wind been in another direction, or a little stronger, no doubt the fire must have spread Ihe stock and furniture are insured jointly by Messrs Saunders, Ward, and Co. for L 650 in the National Office, but it could not [be ascertained if the building, which is the property of Mr J. T. Peacock, was fully insured, .there was an immense glare, that illuminated all Lyttelton, Had it not been for the constables and the Fire Police a great deal of valu able property would have been stolen, and as it was, there was much damage through breakage, &c. The Mitre and Mr Robinson’s shop were utterly destroyed, but no other damage was done. Tho Mitre was the oldest hotel in Canterbury. It was built in 1852, and escaped the great fire of October, 1870, The Christchurch Fire Engine was sent for at 8.45, but the order was countermanded, and darn er was over at 10 p.m. The estimated damage is L 6.000, partly covered by insurance, the National and South British being the suffeveis.

' . Timaru, August 4. Ihe Abolition of the Provinces Bill gives universal satisfaction in this district. Provincialism is cordially detested here. The ‘Timaru Herald’ praises the Bill as statesmanlike, comprehensive, and public spirited, and hopes all divergence of opinion on minor points will be disregarded in order to save the great principle involved, , The same paper rather condemns the Financial Statement, but submits that the fact of its being based on the principle of abolition redeems all its faults and affords the best hope for the future of the Colony.

CHRlsicaußCH, August 5, At a preliminary meeting held at Christchurch last night, the following resolution was adoptad for proposal at the public meeting re abolition to-night“ That this meeting cordially approves of the proposals contained in the Government Bill for the abolition of the Provinces, and for the constitution of districts throughout the Colony to have control of the local revenues, and believes that if carried into effect they will be conducive of great and lasting benefit to the country.” Opinions were also expressed that the Abolition Bill should be carried through this session. A prospectus with a very influential directory is issued for the Loan and Investment Company of New Zealand (limited), with a capital of L 600,000 in L2O shares.