NEW ZEALAND.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2132, 23 December 1880, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND.

AUCKLAND, Deceit ber 23. Bridge on Fire. Yesterday a largo railway bridge in Mechanics' Bay was discovered to be on fire, but the fire was quickly extinguished. It is believed to have originated from a live coal dropped between the wood-work by the tender. The Scripture Gift AssociationThe Scripture Gift Association having asked permission of the Minister of Education to place illuminated cards with the Lord's Prayer and the Commandments in the public schools, the Government reply that the matter is one to be dealt with by the local authorities. Pedestrianism. A seven-mile walking match, for £-10 a side, is arranged between A. Brett and T. Fernandez. WELLINGTON, December 23. The Execution of TuhiThe execution of Tuhi takes place at eight o'clock on Wednesday morning. DUNEDIN, December 23. Insolvencies. Four small insolvenies were filed this week. Ohituary. Mr John McNeill, for many years with Messrs Briscoe and Co., died rather suddenly to-day. The HolidaysThe weather is now beautiful. A great number of people go on an excursion to Lake Wakatipu to-morrow night. AUCKLAND, December 22. The Proposed Dock. The engineer of the Harbor Board is continuing the borings for the proposed dock sits at the North Shore. The borings are down, 28ft, and tbe ground is solid and of a fovorable character. The Wheat Crop. The wheat crop in the district around. Auckland is magnificent. Building Society. At the half-yearly meeting of the Auckland Building and Investment Society the accountant showed that the receipts wer* £60,000. Stabbing a Foreman. L. B. KiDg, foreman in Austin and Co,"* shoe factory, in an altercation with an apprentice named Storey, was stabbed by tfia latter with a knife, in the hand.

BLENHEIM, December 22. A River Board v a Road BoardIn the Supreme Court, before the Chief Justioe, the case of G. Bodson (chairman of the Spring Creek Bivers Board) v Charles Sedwood (chairman of the Lower Wairau Bivers Board), to obtain an iDJunotion to restrain certain works which the latter Hoard had made, by which the Omaka Biver was diverted into the Opawa, occupied two days. The jury were unable to agree on a verdiot, and were discharged. The railway compengation cases are now being heard. Re hearing of Libel CaseAn application will be made to his Honor the Chief Justice to-morrow for a rehearing ot the Griffiths v Johnston libel case at the forthcoming sessions of the Bupreme Court at Kelson. „ . „„ WELLINGTON, December 22. Drinking on Sundays. Pursuant to promise to the deputation from the Grand Lodge of Good Templars a few days ago, the Government havo issued a circular letter to the superintendents and inspectors of police, requesting them to do all in their power to put down illogal traffio in drink on Sundays. Serious Coach Accident-

A serious coach accident ocourred thlß afternoon. While Cobb's coach from Foxton *u passing through town, the horses shied at the tram and bolted. The vehicle oame into collision with a verandah, and the driver, named Mater, was thrown from the box, thej wheel passing over him and breaking several ribs. He also received other injuries of a serious nature, but it is not yet * nown whether his injuries will terminate fatally. The passengers escaped unhurt. OAMAETJ, Docember 22. Electoral.

The settlers at Otepopo are going to hold a meeting to discuss tho proposed alteration in the boundaries of the electoral district. It is believed that the meeting will protest against any alteration which will throw them in with the Palmerston district. DUNEDIN, December 22. The Fire Brigades' Convention. The Hon. E. Oliver agreed yesterday to grant free passes over the railways to delegates attending the fire brigades convention to be held at Wellington on January 24th. The Union s.s. Company have also granted a concession in the fares. [ifßoaroiTß own oobbbsbondeht.] WELLINGTON, December 22. Ministerial Movements. The Premier was unable to leave by the Hawea to-day, owing to the pressure of business. He goes South by the Hinemoa, whioh sails for Lyttelton immediately after her arrival from the North, conveying Mr Bryca and Mr Parris, as telegraphed yesterday. Major Atkinson will be the senior Minister during Mr Hall's absence from Wellington. The Chatham Island Murder. The Stella's departure for Chatham Islands to fetch the witnesses in the murder case has been postponed till to-morrow. The Farihaka Natives. To-day's telegrams from the Constabulary Camp report all quiet. The Maoris are engaged in cultivation, and everything is wearing a peaceful aspect.