NELSON NEWS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1356, 17 January 1905, Page 2

NELSON NEWS.

WAINUI ENQUIRY. (Per Press Association.) Nelson, last night. A preliminary enquiry, re tho Wainui mishap, was held to-day, when the evidence of the captain, chief officor, chief engineer and two seamen was taken. It is understood that an official onquiry will be held at Wellington. Tho Wainui tranships passengers and cargo to the Mapourika to-morrow, and sails for Wellington to go on tho slip. Some comment was made at the time taken to get the passongers off the ship, thero being about one hundred in four boats and two rafts. The women were carried from tho boats ashore.

MAN DROWNED. On Sunday a party of picnickers went from Motueka up the river, and Mr W. F. Bettany and companions tried to cross the river to secure some photographs. Mr Petiha swam across for a canoe, aud hearing Mr Bettany call was just in time to see him sink, but was unablo to rescue him. Mr J. Pollock, driving near by, was hailed, and ho dived in and recovered the body, hut efforts to resuscitate it were unavailable. Tho jury commended tho action of Messrs Petiha and Pollock. Deceased was a chemist in business in Motueka, and was about to be married. BUSH FIRES.

News has been received from Collingwood that great bush fires started at Silverstean on Sunday, and extended to Lower Kaituna. Kemp’s house with all the furniture was burned. Grant’s lower sawmill was destroyed, but the machinery was saved. A eix roomed houee at Kaituna, also a house at Bainham belonging to Messrs Grant wore both burned. Wallan’s shed and hay at Bainham, F. j Brewer’s shed, Tyree’s shed and Baigent’s j bush at Bonnydoon were burned. A fire j at Pupooga has dono considerable damage I to the Goal Company’s.timber area. 1 1