LATEST TELEGRAMS. INTERPROVINCIAL.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XI, Issue 236, 2 November 1876, Page 2

LATEST TELEGRAMS. INTERPROVINCIAL.

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE AT BLENHEIM. £30,000 WORTH OF PROPERTY DESTROYED. Blenheim, Thursday. A tremendous fire broke out at two o'clock this morning-, when the following buildings were burnt to ashes :— Ewart's Hotel; Telegraph Office; Post Office; Court House; Government Buildings; Litchn'eld's draper's store ; Masonic Hotel; Blenheim Club ; Carter and Tait's stores; Litchfield's grocery store; Hustwick's druggist's shop; Hunter's jeweller's shop; Augustus' shop (empty); Lewis'fancy goods store; Press wood's watch maker's shop; Lawrence's general store; Warner's old shop; Rogers' solicitor's office; Campbell's painter's store; Smith's tinsmith's shop; Eyles' cabinet-maker's shop and residence; and two cottages. The origin of the fire is a mystery. It was discorerod by several persons, who saw the centre of the Government buildings in a blaze. A strong wind from the west carried the fire across the Square, igniting Augustus' old shop on roof, thence along High-street. For some time the brigade hoped to stay it at Lawrence's, but it crept round and burnt two cottages beyoud Campbell's. Taylor's, Robinson's, and Fiven'a were saved with great difficulty. Meantime the fire worked from Augustus' to the gap near Rogers', and no help could be given except by carrying things out on the western side. The fire then beat back igniting Ewart's Hotel. The Hall and stables were saved The Bank of New Zealand had a very narrow escape being charred all over. Every place named is cleared away, only a few chimneys being left standing. The aggregate losses to the Insurance offices are:— isaw Zealand, £2800; National, £1450; Imperial, £2400; Standard, £1850; South British, £2350; Victoria, £1560; Norwich Union, £1250; Batavia. £1300; Liverpool aud London, £800; total, £15,760. The several losses are estimated at double that amount. The telegraph officers are camped in a tent at Seymour Square. Wellington, Wednesday. The valuation of the City for this year has just been completed. '1 he valuation on which the rate will have to be struck is £169,699 as against £150,507. The postal cards were issued to-day, and a considerable number of tradesmen availed themselves of the cards as business circulars, solicting custom. Auckland, Wednesday. Jones and Ware v. Brogden was finally settled this morning in the Supreme Court by Judge Gillies. Ordinary judgment to be entered for the plaintiff for £4255 2s, exclusive of £241 14s lOd paid in. Bishop Cowie to-day confirmed 12 Melauesians from various islands of the Pacific. The Diocesan Synod are discussing the appointment of a committeee to draw up a supplement to the present hymnal, not exceeding 150 hymns. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency have received the following telegram:—London, October 17th: Wool market firm. Up to date 16,200 bales have arrived. Tallow, fair trade; demand for mutton at 455; beef, 42s per cwt. Wheat market quiet; Adelaide worth 51s per 4961b. Mimosa bark market improving. Sailed—H.M.S. Sappho for Wellington. Dunedin, Wednesday. The action against the Superintendent of the Lunatic Asylum for alleged ill-treatment of a patient resulted in a verdict for defendant with costs. The Roxburgh Council have refused to send a representative to the Convention, aud condemn the action of the Superintendent. The Smythies libel case is proceeding. The provincial revenue for the quarter was £204,000, and the expenditure £184,000. Rivektox, Wednesday, To-day was observed as a general holiday in celebration of the abolition of the provinces, although no public demonstration was made in consequence of being unable until the last moment to ascertain the date of the prorogation of the Assembly. Business in town was almost entirely suspended; the shops were all closed; picnics, rabbit.shooting, etc., being the order of the day. Ciiristcuukch, Thursday. The following are the latest quotations for the Derby in the betting market;—Daneburj, 4 to 1 (.taken and offered); Dead Heat, 3 to 1 (taken aud offered), Fallacy, 5 to ] (taken and offered); Songster 6 to 1 (.taken); Fanny h'isher colt, 6 to 1 (taken); any other, 100 to lo (ottered). Canterbury Jockey Club Handicap: Tadmor,s to 1 (takenand offered); Ngaro, 6 to 1 (taken and offered); Maroro, oto 1 (taken and offered); any others, 100 to 12 (offered). Cup: Guy Fawkes, 4to 1 (taken aud offered); Danebury, 6 to 1 (taken and offered); Fallacy, 9 to I (taken and offered;; Punga were were, G to 1 (taken and offered); Ariel, 6 to 1 (taken and offered)any other, 100 to 10 (offered).'