PROVINCIAL NEWS

Kumara Times, Issue 2887, 6 January 1886, Page 2

PROVINCIAL NEWS

[united press association,] Blenheim, January 4. Very destructive bush fires have occurred along the railway line between Blenheim and Picton. One house audits contents was destroyed, and several others narrowly escaped. The residence of Captain Baillie, M.L.C., was saved by the exertions of his neighbours, the adjoining bush being on fire. A. disastrous bush fire was also raging in the Upper Pelorus Valley, one house and contents being destroyed, and another narrowly escaped. The telegraph line is damaged, One pole being burnt, and the linemen had to ride more than a mile between two fiies, in order to repair the wire. They had to lay their heads on the horses’ sides, and let them take their course. Dense smoke and flames from burning bush in the Rai Valley rendered travelling difficult lately. There were numerous grass fires, the hills being parched up. Wellington, January 4. A young jockey named Todd, about fifteen years old, was killed at Otaki on New Year’s Eve. He was engaged to ride at the races on New Year’s Day, but it is believed got intoxicated the previous night, and fell down in a yard attached to the Otaki Hotel, where he remained asleep. A cart coming in later in the evening ran over the body, the wheel passing over his chest, which was completely smashed. Death was instantaneous. January 5. At the R.M. Court this morning, Edward Shaw, a well-known solicitor and barrister, was charged that he did on November, 1884, at Wellington, having been trusted by one Alexander M'Minn, as an attorney, or other agent, with a valuable security, to wit a cheque or order drawn by one Alexander M'Minn on the Union Bank of Australia, Palmerston North, for the sum of .£B3 2s 2d, bearing date the 11th of November, 1884, and payable to the bearer, for a special purpose, without any 'authority to negotiate, transfer, or pledge the same, in violation of good faith, and contrary to the object or purpose for which such valuable security was entrusted him, unlawfully negotiate, transferor pledge, and convert to his own use or benefit the valuable security or the proceeds of the same.” Only formal evidence was taken, and as the prosecutor was absent, the case was adjourned until next Friday afternoon. Auckland, January 4. At the inquest on John Daniels, the verdict was found drowned. Richard Dean Pollock, settler, was thrown from his horse. He is unconscious, and the case is hopeless. Admiral Tryon gave a dance on board the Nelson to-day. There were 300 guests. The Nelson was splendidly d‘ corated for the occasion. January 5, A remarkable discovery was made at Ellerslie racecourse by Mr Blair, cordial maker, engaged in collecting lemonade bottles from the booths. While in the passage leading to the ladies, room he %as astounded to see a carpet snake, three feet long, scuttling along the concrete. It is probable that the stranger arrived in the colony in a case of Australian wine, a large number of cases of that beverage haviug been opened at the Grand Stand during the recent meeting. Christchurch, January 5. The Criminal sittings opened to-day before Justice Johnston. There are 12 cases for trial which the judge, in his charge, characterised as neither more nor less heavy than usual, Jas. Dungan, alias Malcolm Christian, pleaded guilty to stealing a watch and was sentenced to three years’ penal servitude.—Frank Daley pleaded not guilty to a charge of embezzling £9 belonging to Jas. Mebley, and was acquitted.— George Barrett pleaded guilty to a charge of burglary which was not of the worst character and was sentenced to 12 mouths’ hard labour. Henry Fitzsimmons, indicted for assault with intent was acquitted..