TELEGRAPHIC.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1483, 16 November 1878, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC.

NEW ZEALAND TELEGRAMS. SPECIAL TO THE GLOBE. The Storm. Awful Fire at WaimateDamage, £70,000No lives Lost.

Timaku, November 16,

The fire at Waimate is still burning, aud the town itself had a narrow escape from destruction. At one time the flames were within a quarter of a mile from the town, when the wind fortunately shifted. The fire commenced at the top of the hill, and cleared every thing before it. The fire brigade and settlers saved several persons from being burnt. Theobald and family aud many others iu the neighbourhood had their places burned down, the force of the gale, and the heat prevented many efforts of |the excited people from saving them. Every mill in the district has been destroyed ; the loss is estimated at about .£70,000. The scene yesterday is described as most exciting. Waggons and trucks were dashing about, furniture was being frantically piled on them in a most heterogenous manner, and many persons made their way to town on foot loaded with small articles. When the wind shifted it blew stronger and the fire flew along with amazing rapidity. In removing one family, Rickman’s horse bolted and capsized. The driver bad his leg broken and the children in the baggy we:e much bruised. Mr Studholme, owner of the largest mills, had a very narrow escape. He was at one time completely surrounded by fire, and was much burnt in riding through the flames ; also his manager, Mr Potts. One brave young fellow risked bis life to save a woman and child, and, although much burnt, succeeded in his attempt. While galloping through the flames, the woman’s dress caugtit fire, and her legs and body were nmch scorched, 'i owards dusk yesterday, there was not a single house left standing at the edge of the bush. The poor ere itures brought to town comprised over twenty families. They were housed in the Immigration Barracks, provisions of all kinds being forwarded to them by sympathising friends. On visiting the barracks the scene was found to be touching iu the extreme, women bemoaning their losses, and one or two men seemed half demented. A meeting of citizens is now being held to forward the organisation of a relief fund. There is still great anxiety felt about a number of personsresiding near the bush. [PBB PBBSS AGENCY.] Dunedin, November 16. An application under the Habeas Corpus Act will be made to the Judge on his return from Wellington to determine the right to the custody of a girl at Port Chalmers. The case is said to be one of a complicated nature, and the circumstances to be such as to invest it with a great deal of interest. To suit Tyson’s convenience the wrestling match between him and Dagg has been postponed till the 18th December. A severe gale las prevailed here throughout yesterday aud to-day, and a good deal of damage has been done. A vessel was blown from her moorings at Rattray street Jetty. The nomination for Mayor took place at noon to-day, H. S. Pish and H. J. Walker were the only i-andidates proposed. The poll takes place on the 27th.

[from our own correspondent.] Auckland, November 15.

The “Star” to-night censures Mr Stewart, District Engineer, for obstructing public works in the Auckland district, especially in the matter of the Morningside railway station, which has been fixed on the private property of Mr Taylor, a mile away from the centre of traffic and population.

Owing to the Auckland Volunteers not being furnished with properly-tested rifles, the probability is that no representatives from here will go to Nelson. Government offers to sell a limited number of properly sighted rifles and carbines on requisition being sent in,