PROVINCIAL NEWS.

Kumara Times, Issue 2351, 11 March 1884, Page 2

PROVINCIAL NEWS.

[united press association.] Auckland, March 10. The City of Sydney arrived at midnight. She left San Francisco on the 1 18th February. The passage was an uneventful one till the 6th March. Exchanged signals with the Zealandia bound north. The passengers for Auckland are :—Saloon : Mr and Mrs Little, Messrs Duncan and Peatland. Steerage—John Firth and child, J. Burrows, wife and two children, Messrs Douglas, Elliott, and Wilson. For Sydney 2S cabin. Among the through passengers for Sydney are Edward Hanlan, and 26 steerage. Blenheim, March 10. The Taylor river rose during Saturday night in consequence of two days' heavy rain, and flooded the lower portions of the town. The weather is now fine and the water has almost entirely receded. The damage to property is very slight. George Hare, firewood dealer, residing at Para on the Picton road, whilst returning from Picton on Saturday night on horseback, was drowned on the Waitohi Creek, which had overflowed its bank and covered the bridge. The body was found close to deceased's residence yesterday. Johu Morran, an old settler, Tuatnarina district, died this morning from lockjaw, the effect of crushing two fingers while moving a log. He was 43 years of age, and leaves a wife and twelve children. \

Nelson, March 10. In a short visit here the Rev. Father Le Menant des Chesnais has collected over £3OO for St. Patrick's College, Wellington. Christchurch, March 10. David Henry, a well-known resident in Kaiapoi district, was yesterday attacked by a young bull which tossed him over a fence. Henry had to be conveyed home in a dray and is in a critical condition from internal injuries. Dunedin, March 10. A meeting of shareholders in West Coast mines was held to-day, for the purpose of considering the advisability of closing non-paying mines. A committee was appointed to report what mines ought to be closed, and to report to a meeting next Saturday. Wellington, March 10. It is understood the notices of dismissal of officers of Middle Island Public Works Department were forwarded :by mail to-day. Mr Blair is to be removed here as Assistant Eugineer-in-Chief of the Colony. Gisborne, March 10. There died here to-day, aged 83, an old colonist well known throughout the colony, Mr A. S. Braithwaite. In 1829 he made a locomotive engine in England, the "Novelty," which competed in the historical contest won by Stephenson's " Rocket." The two principal Ngatiporou chiefs, Major Ropata, and Tutu Nihoniho, who have always hitherto opposed each other, have now agreed, and it is believed this will lead to the opening and settling of a large area on this coast, and to the settlement of a lot of disputes. The first result has been that the two chiefs with Mr Rees, have bought out Sommerville, and lay claims in a number of blocks for £15,000.