PROVINCIAL NEWS.

Kumara Times, Issue 2555, 12 November 1884, Page 2

PROVINCIAL NEWS.

[united press association."] Auckland, November 9. Annie Beyer, aged 12, was drowned in the Awarua river, it is supposed while playing iu a canoe, the body being found near it. A log rolled over a bushmaa named W. M'Donald, at Mercury Bay, on Thursday, inflicting injuries which it is believed will prove fatal. THREE CHILDREN BURNED TO DEATH. An inquest was held at Cambridge yesterday on the bodies of three children burnt to death on the previous day in a hut near Cambridge—Hedley James Osborne, aged 4 ; Juliette Alice Osborne, 2 years ; Agnes Mary Osborne, 5 months. A verdict of accidental death was returnel It appeared from the evidence that the mother left the house shortly before 1 o'clock, to go to Cambridge to do shopping, leaving the three children iu the house. The infant was locked up in a bedroom by itself, and the other two were shut in the kitchen. The object in shutting them up was that they should not go to the river. The husband, who was working in (he paddock a quarter of a mile away, noticed the smoko issuing from the house, and, accompanied by John A moid, proceeded to spot, and entered the house. After feeling about on the ii he was com-

pelled to retire half suffocated, and after another futile attempt to enter, the house collapsed. The remains were found by the police, but were unrecognisable. It was believed that the fire was caused by the boy getting hold of the matches, and being in the habit of striking them set fire to his clothes or some paper. Christchurch, November 8. The funeral of the Rev. James Bailer took place this afternoon. A large congregation assembled in the Wesleyan Church including Severn 1 ministers of the Church of England, and all prominent members of the Wesleyan body. Dunedin, November 9. At the inquest held on the little boy Peck, killed on the express train on Friday, a verdict of accidental death was returned. His father is an engine driver, recently removed from luvercargill to Greymoutb, and Mrs Peck was on her way to join him at the time of the accident. Wellington, November 11. The divers at work at the Lastingham have found the arm of what is supposed to be the body of the captain's wife. The other part of the body was out of sight, but the diver concluded it was a woman's arm by the fact of a wedding ring being visible on one of the fingers. Gisborne, November 11. A Maori whare was burnt down at Tologa Bay, and an old Maori woman was burnt to death. Two Maori women tried to rescue her, but got nearly suffocated. GENERAL ASSEMBLY. WESTLAND EDUCATION DISTRICT SUBDIVISION BILL. FINAL RESOLUTION OF PARLIAMENT. [united press association.] Wellington, November 8. The Legislative Council met at 12.30 p.m. The conference of managers of the Legislative Council and House of Representatives relative to the Westland Education District Subdivision Bill, agreed to the following:— (1.) That the two districts be subdivided as in the bill passed by the House of Representatives. (2.) That a board of seven members be appointed for the Westland District, three of the members to be appointed by the Governor. (3.) That a commission or commissioners be appointed as a board for the Grey Education District. (4.) That this Act only remains iu force (except as to clause 12) until the end of next session of Parliament. The report was adopted.