PROVINCIAL NEWS.

Kumara Times, Issue 2745, 9 July 1885, Page 2

PROVINCIAL NEWS.

♦ ■ [united press association.] Christchurch, July 8. The heavy rain of the last few days has caused rather severe floods at Kaiapoi, Rangiora, and North Canterbury generally. The Waimakiriri River has been in heavy fresh, and this morning the country around Kaiapoi presented a lamentable appearance, all the low land in the township being submerged. Last night the railway train from Rangiora to Oxford could not get through, but at noon to-day the water had subsided sufficiently to allow the train to pass. The southern approach to the traffic bridge over the Ashley river was washed away, and several dwelling houses at Rangiora were completely surrounded with water. The district south of Christchurch, especially at Methven, was also flooded to-day, and traffic was suspended on the MethvenRakaia railway. No very serious damage has been done. Wellington, July 7.

At the Supreme Court this morning Waring Taylor was brought up for sentence. His Honor the Chief Justice in passing sentence said:—"Undonbtedly the first feeling I had when the jury convicted you, was that a very severe punishment should be imposed. Further consideration of the matter, however, has induced me to think that the ends of justice may be served without going to that extremity. I take into account your age. That is really one circumstance in your favour in mitigation of sentence. There are no other circumstances in my opinion which would justify me in mitigating your sentence. There is no reason why I should take into consideration what you have been. All I can say is that the offence of which you have been found guilty is an extremely grave one; but more so when committed by one who held such a position of trust as you once occupied. The sentence of the Court is that you be sentenced to five years' penal servitude." The Stella returned from Caswell Sound last night bringing with her Mr Baird, who was commissioned by the directors to report on the marble quarry. It is understood that the report is not of a very favourable character. The manager and staff engaged at the Sound also returned by the Stella. July 8. A meeting of barmaids employed in Wellington is to be held on Friday, to protest against the proposed repressive measure. Nelson, July 7. The Collector of Customs received a telegram from Collingwoocl this afternoon, from Captain Bowden, master of the brigantine Helena, stating that his vessel went ashore on Cape Farewell Spit on Sunday night, and was abandoned at noon yesterday. From later intelligence it appears the brigantine was bound from Wanganui to Melbourne with a cargo of timber, and ran on to the Spit on Sunday night, when the weather was very thick and was blowing very hard from S.E.

The captain, and crew of six, remained on board till noon on Monday, when they took to the boats, and with difficulty reached Pakawau. It is said the Spit light was not seen two minutes before the vessel struck. When abandoned she had not commenced to break up. Wanganui, July 7. The Helena, wrecked at Cape Farewell, had a cargo of white pine, from the Wanganui Sash and Door Company, which is insured in the Colonial office for £250. The vessel belongs to Mr Duthrie, of Melbourne, and it is not known what insurances are on her. Blenheim, July 8. Another Blenheim libel action has commenced, J. J. Sinclair, having issued a writ against Richard Hornby, proprietor of the Times, claiming £IOOO damages in respect of an article commenting on Sinclair's connection with the exchange of hospital rites. Connolly has been retained for the prosecution. The case will be tried at the Supreme Court here in October. Auckland, July 9. A young man named Moses Earl was drowned yesterday while bathing in the Whau river.