PROVINCIAL NEWS

Kumara Times, Issue 3071, 6 September 1886, Page 2

PROVINCIAL NEWS

[united press association.! Pout Chalmers, September 5. Bel ween midnight and one a.m. today a seaman named Thompson, of the ship Wapahi fell backwards off the gangway into the water. He was picked up by the third mate and taken on board. Every effort was made to resuscitate him, but without avail. Dunedin, September 3. No reply has been received from f mh-u', who holds Mie chamnion wisliing i.eit, to a challenge from Cimii, and the Caledonian Society have given him an extra week’s grace.

Dunn, it may be stated, ia not the same who wrestled at Wanganui, but is a well-known wrestler of that name. Unless Hudson accepts the challenge in time he forfeits the belt, which, if he can hold till December, becomes his property. The factory hands in Dunedin intend erecting a tablet in recognition of Bradshaw’s efforts on their behalf. September 4. David Mercer, an old resident at Fnerua, was found lying on the fire, dead, in his house on Thursday. He was much burned. He had been ailing some time. Captain Baldwin will contest the Dunedin Central. The names of Messrs Dick, Bracken, and Hutchison are mentioned. Christchurch, September 5. The new Salvation Army barracks in Market Square, which cost £2500 and will aeat 1800 persons, was opened to-day by Commissioner Howard, from Australia. About 400 Salvationists from other parts of the co'ony, besides the local corps, were present; also a large crowd of the public. The streets around the building were densely thronged, but no disturbance occurred. INQUEST INTO A FATAL FIRE. Invercargill, September 4. The inquiry into L'ttle-street fire, in which Mrs Kaill and her child were burnt to death, took place yesterday. The evidence of Flora M'Leod revealed some very harrowing facts. She said that after getting out the two children she broke the window of the bedroom in which Mrs Kaill was, and called to her to come out. She saw her in the room sitting on the bed with the chlid in her arms. The room was full of smoke, and soon burst into flumes. The witness said Mrs Kaill was screaming, but seemed unable to move. Two men named Rabbit and Lewis were standing close by, and Rabbit could have saved the woman had he tried. This evidence was subsequently contradicted by Rabbit, who said he tried his best to get Mis Kaill out, but the smoke drove him back. The jury returned a verdict of “ accidental death,” and gave great praise to the servant, Flora M'Leod, for her heroic efforts to save the occupants of the house.