NEW ZEALAND TELEGRAMS.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 2 April 1901, Page 4

NEW ZEALAND TELEGRAMS.

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Drowned in the Avon. Christchurch, April 1. A man, found drowned in the Avon, has been identified as James McGrath, who used to live in a tent by himself. A lad named Brooks identified him by a photograph and his watch. Fire at Riverton. Invercargill, April 1. Afire occurred at Riverton on Saturday night. Moore’s Hall and four shops (all wooden), occupied by .). Moore, tailor ; J. Lyle, mining agent; F. Ansb, painter; and A. Anderson, solicitor, were destroyed.

Court of Appeal. Wellington, April 1. In the Porirna case, which lias been before the Court of Appeal some days, judgment was reserved. Claim for Damages. The Court is now hearing the application by the City Council, Wellington, to set aside claims for compensation amounting to £25,000 for a small strip of land in Willis and Harbour streets. Owing to inadvertence the time was allowed to lapse within which action could be taken to contest the claim. The Council contends that the claim is greatly in excess of the true value and that the Court has an inherent jurisdiction to prevent injustice being done. Ministerial Changes.

The Premier says the statement which has found publication that Mr Ward is about to take over the office of •Colonial Treasurer is without truth. Diath of Col. Francis. Tho ! Premier and Lieut-Col Newall wiil be present at the funeral of the late Col. Francis. Tho Government will grant free passes to all members of the Fourth Contingent, now in Wellington, who wish to pay a last tribute of respect to their late commander. Publicans Fined. At the Magistrate’s Court to-day tho licensees of the Western and Oriental hotels were fined £2 and respectively, for permitting the barmaid to be employed after 11 o’clock.

Half Million Loan. The Government have decided to raise in tho colony the half million loan authorised last session in aid of public works. Tho loan will be issued at 4 per cent. Strike of Bricklayers. Auckland, April 1. A number of bricklayers went on strike 10-day. They demand 12s per day for 44 hours per week, tot dco place from April Ist. This was refused.

Dreadful Accident. Stratford, April 1. A terrible and fatal accident occurred to-day at a sawmill a few miles away. A man named John Sail, aged 20, got entangled in the belting, and the top of his head was dashed off and his right leg torn off at the thigh.