LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Kumara Times, Issue 639, 15 October 1878, Page 2

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

[press agency.] Christchurch, October 14. The total amount of beer duty col- 1 looted in Christchurch since the Financial Statement was made is £1395 11a 9d, the whole of which amount will be refunded by the Collector of Customs oh Thursday next, in consequence of the withdrawal of the Beer Tax Bill. The Crown Prosecutor thinks the in* dictment against the man Dempsey will be for manslaughter. He will therefore be prosecuted by the police. The floods have been very disastrous at Kaiapoi and the surrounding country. The railway traffic across the bridge is entirely suspended, and many townships are cut off from communication with the outer world. On the south line all communication has ceased at north Rangitata bridge. Th« express from here does not proceed beyond Ashburton. It is said through traffic will be resumed on Saturday. BIuEE, October 14 The Arawata, with the Suez mails, arrived at 6 p.m. on Sunday, having made the passage fr-m Melbourne in 3 days 22 hours, the fastest on record. Lawrence, October 14. A stable on the Greenfield estate, three miles from the home station, was burnt to the ground. There were 42 horses in it, 21 of them and a large quantity of harness being burnt to cinders. Wellington, October 14. The official opening of the Featherstone Railway will take place on Wednesday, 16th instant. A special train leaves Wellington at 8.45, yetting to Feathers tone about ,1 p.m.; leaving there on the return journey at 3 p.m., it will arrive at Wellington about 7 p.m. The Governor has promised to attend. Auckland, October 14, At the South British half-yearly meeting to-day, the report showed a premium increase of £68,904, an increase of £10,402 on the corresponding period of last year. The total income, including £9675 brought forward was £84,925 ; losses, £30,584 ; reinsurance expenses, £25,254 ; balance to credit at end of half-year, £23,086, of which £looo’is-carried to-the Reserve Bund making it £70,000. A dividend was declared at the rate of £5 per cent, per annum. Investments, £175,952 : assets, £183,068. Otaki, October 14. The Felix Stowe, 250 tons, coal laden, went ashore at four yesterday morning half a mile north of Otaki. The sailors say it was blowing too hard to shorten sail. A boat was lowered soon after the vessel struck, hut broke away and came ashore. It was found, and manned by Maones and half-castes, who safely landed the captain’s wife and three, seamen. A second boat, with the captain and the rest of the crew,-. capsized the captain, mate, an apprentice, and one seaman being drowned. The remainder weie saved, after many narrow escapes, ! by Maories and half-castes, who behaved | splendidly. The first boat brought a . line ashore, which was useful in saving lives. The ships papers are said to be lost A terrific sea was breaking when the vessel went ashore, but she does not appear to be much injured. Pirnsley, the coach driver, and other Euro, peans, deserve great credit for their exertions in saving life.