TELEGRAPHIC.

Evening Star, Issue 4270, 2 November 1876, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC.

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Seamen’s Petition.

Melboubne, November I.—A petition has been presented to the Assembly from seamen and engi* neers, praying the House to pass a Hill for the better preservation of life at sea.

[Pee Pbess Agency.]

City Valuation.

Wellington, November 1.—7 he valuation of the city for the year has just been completed. The valuation on which the rate will have to be struck is L169.6U9, as against L 150,507 last year. Church Matters. ‘

I Auckland, November I.—The Diocesan Synod • are discussing the appointment of a committee to draw np a supplement to prevent the Hymnal not exceeding 150 hymns.—At the City Council to-day a letter from the Bev. D. Bruce was read, calling attention to the alteration of .the service in English Churches from 5.30 to 7, and the nuisance of ringing bells while the other congregations were holding service The Council decided that it had ho power to interfere.

Commercial.

Auckland, November I.—The N.Z.L. and M.A. Company have received the following telegram 11 London, 17th October.—Wool maiket firm.' Up to date 16,200 bales arrived. Tallow, fair trade do* mand; mutton, 455; beef, 42s per cwt. Wheat market qniet. Adelaide worth 51s per 4961b5. Barley market improving. Timanx Agricultural Show. Tihast, November I.—Over 400 persons attended the show today. Ur Meyer, president of the association, carried off the gold medal and cap as the leadingprizetakerin the merino classes; Messrs Fleming and hedley, the piece of silver plate, aa the largest prizetakers in draught horses; and Mr E Menlove, a gold medal for tbe best draught mare on the ground. Messrs Eeid and Gray were the prizetakers for agricultural implements. Invercargill and Abolition.

Inveecaboill, November 2. —Nearly all places of business were closed yesterday on account of abolition taking effect. There was a liberal display of banting, and a band of music was driven abont the streets in a couple of traps. Generally there appeared to be considerable enthusiasm. Extensive Fire at Blenheim.

Blenheim, November 2. A tremendous fire occurred here at .we o’clock this morning, by which the following places were destroyed:—Ewart’s Hotel, Telegraph Office, Conrt-honae, Government' Buildings, Litchfield's drapery shop, Masonic Hotel aud Cmb. Carter and Tnit'a stores, Litchfield's grocery, Hustwick, druggist- Hunter, jeweller; Augustus’s shop, empty; Lewis, fancy goods; Presswood, watchmaker ; Lawrence, general store, Warner's old shop; Rogers, solicitor ; Campbell, printer; Smith, Tinman, and Son's two cottages. All were burnt to ashes.— 1.55 p.m. In addition to the above list Eyles* cabinet-makers’ shop and two residence cottages were destroyed. The origin of the fire is a mystery. It was discovered by several persons who saw the centre of the Government Buildings in a blase. A strong wind blowing from the-west carried the flames across the square, igniting Augustus* old shop on the roof; thence along High street for some time. The Brigade hoped to stay it at Lawrences’, bnt it crept round two burnt cottages beyond thete.|CampbelTs. Taylor's, Robinson's, and Tiven's were saved with great difficulty. Meantime the fire worked from Augustus’s till a gap neor Rogers's. No help could be given except carrying things out on the western side. The fire beat back, igniting Ewart’s Hotel, -the hall aud stables were saved, and the Bank of New Zealand had a very narrow escape. The building is charred all over. Every place named is cleared away; only a few chimneys standing. The aggregate losses covered by insurance are:—New Zealand Office, L 8.800; National, L 1,450 ; Imperial, LM00; Standard, L 1.850; British, L 2.35 0; Victoria, L 1 ,560: Norwich, L 1.250; Batavia, L 950; Liverpool and London, LBOO. Total, L 15,4X0, {Several losers estimate their losses at double the insurances. The tele* graphists are camped in a tent at Seymour Square.

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Libel Action Threatened,

Timaeu, November 2.—William Mackay intends bringing a libel a tion against the ‘ Saturday Advertiser * for its sporting article re Banjo's fanning in the Camara steeplechases. Drowned. Christchurch, November I.—On Monday James Shaunahan was drowned while bathing with his mate in a creek. The two men went to a waterhola to bathe, and suddenly Bhannahan exclaimed “I am a dead man." and sank. Yesterday, abont noon, the body of a man was found in the river Avon. It was afterwards identified as that of James Foden, a •arpbnter, residing at Addington, who has been missing since October 23. Latest Betting. Christchurch, November 2.— The following is the latest betting DERBY. 4 to 1 against Dead Heat *» 4to 1 „ Danebury oto 1 „ Fanny Fisher oolt Cto 1 „ Fallacy lOtol „ any other. . ctrp. 5 to 1 on field, Gay Fawkes and Danebury being most in favor. There is no belting on the Jockey Club Handicap. This morning Dead Heat and Ariel went ft very strong galop together; Taduior and Bub. Boy also did fine work. .