LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Kumara Times, Issue 812, 8 May 1879, Page 2

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

[press agency.]

Westport, May 7. The Theatre Royal Hotel, so well known as a dance-house in the bid days, but lately turned into a Commercial Hotel, and more recently retaken by. its old proprietor (Mr Sheehan), who was just about starting the old saloon business, was burned-down to the ground at midnight. The fire started in a detached old building some score of yards from the house. The flames were ffeice, and nothing but a little that was on the ground floor could- l-e saved, the firmly, who were sh eping upstairs, running out in their right -dr e-ses. Several surrounding buildings tqqk fire, but were put out, excepting a small cottage, which , was destroyed. The building was only insured for £350, in the Victoria. Mr Sheehan had recently purchased it from Mabr, the brewer, for £IO,O The latter still holds a lien for about three-fourths of the |nuchase-money, and is secured by the policy. Mr Sheehan reckons his personal loss at about £3OO. The family are left without a stitch of clothing.

The School Committee have resolved to coin pel the Central Board to retain the present master, whom they announced their intention to dismiss.

Wellington, May 7. The foundation-stone of the new ,St. Peter’s Church was laid to-day. . The election for Mayor is fixed for the 27th inst. Amongst the several candidates for the Mayoralty spoken of are Mr Hunter, M.H.H., and jMr Hutchinson (at one time Mayor)* for whom requisitions are being got np. ! Reals, the Customs official, who hot long ago, attempted to cut his; thrpat, and who: was prbgtessmg favourably; has become 4 S'' violent lunatic, and is obliged to be put under restraint,

The residents of' Foxton have’subscribed .£l5O towards the establishment of a medical man in that town. Captain Kreeft has failed. Liabilities, 44678; deficiency, 41785. The estate will pay 5s in tKd 4. A. Blythe has also called a meeting of his creditors together. Liabilities, 411,142 ; assets (estimated), 44000. ■ The. Comparative Customs Returns for April show, as compared with those for la«t April, an increase in round numbers as follows : Wellington, 43000; Wanganui, 4-500;'-Napier, 41200 ; Timaru, 48Q0 Dunedin, 47000. Auckland, Christchurch, and Oaraaru are nearly stationary. The. remaining ports of the Colony show a slight de&Mse.