Items from Wanganui.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IV, Issue 140, 13 May 1884, Page 2

Items from Wanganui.

An exteusivc fire occurred at Upokongoro, seven miles from Wanganui, on Saturday night, at the. residence of Mr Spencer Peel, the premises ebing burnt to the ground. Nothing was savi'd except a valuable diamond gold bracelet winch was afterwards recovered from the debris, and and a gun, which cost sixty guineas at Home. The origin of the fire is not known, as Mr and Mrs Peel were absent for the evening 1 , having taken every precaution before leaving. The property was insured m the Colonial for £700, £200 heing on the house and £300 on the furniture, and £200 on the other contents. The house was an old one, and the insurances about, cover the value, b"t the loss of the contents are estimated to be much above the policies of insurance, as Peel had a large amount of jewellery and other extensive property. At the police court on Saturday, four natives were charged with obstructing the police iv the execution of their duty. The police were arresting Wiki Kemp, daughter of Major Kemp, for drunkenness, when the latter with about 200 other natives came up. Major Kemp and his daughter were each fined 40s. The magistrate told the Maoris* who mustered iv large numbers m the court, that the police must be protected. Major Nixon was buried with military honors on Sunday afternoon, m the proaenco of a very large crowd of citizens, aho-it 2500 people being present. About 2.00 volunteers from the local corps formed the firing party, and groat interest was shown m the proceedings.