PROVINCIAL NEWS.

Kumara Times, Issue 2641, 23 February 1885, Page 2

PROVINCIAL NEWS.

[united press association.] Christchurch, February 21. The Mutual Life Association of Australasia have decided to establish a new branch office in Chiistchurch with the Hon. W. Reeves and Mr S. R. Webb as a board of directors to have control over all agencies in the South Island. Formerly Auckland was the principal office for all New Zealand. Mr R. Stout leaves for Dunedin by express to-raorrow. He will return to Wellington in a few days, and all Ministers will assemble there next week. February 22. A son of Mr White, grocer, was thrown from his horse on the Riccarton road last night, and was severely injured on the head. He is lying in a critical condition at the hospital. Invercargill, February 22. The weather along the coast is reported be be very thick. This afternoon the wind veired to the southward, with thunder, lightning, aud heavy rain. Wellington, February 21. There is no change in the condition of the patients suffering from blood poisoning, nor are there any fresh cases. VOLUNTEERING FOR SOUDAN. Dunedin, February 21. Up to noun to-day Mr Fulton had received applications fmm 60 persons willing to. uuuciul.e «orvicc ia thy

Soudan. One female offered to go as nurse. Port Chalmers, February 22. The Port Chalmors Naval Artillery have offered to proceed to the Soudan. The men are principally seamen, and if their offer is accepted it would be found very useful. Christchurch, February 22. Great enthusiasm prevails among Volunteers here in regard to proceeding to Soudan. Several officers and men expressed their readiness to join a New Zealand contingent. If formed it is calculated that 230 partly drilled men could be enrolled easily.