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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 224, 24 September 1877, Page 4

The Post of the 13th inst,, says: — A most interesting meeting took place this afternoon, in the Old Fellows' Hall, of a semi-political and social character, when a number of the members of both Houses of Parliament, professional gentlemen, leading merchants, and others, together with a large number of native chiefs, assembled by the invitation of the two native chiefs Reuata Kawepo and Te Hapuku to partake of lunch. The entertainment was held in celebration of the withdrawal of the Native Lands Bili in the Housi of Representatives, and tbe verdict for the plaintiff, Mr Henry Russell, in the noted Waka Maori libel case, lately tried before the Supierae Court. Two tables were arranged along the hall, with oue at the top, and were fully seated, quite 100 gentlemen being present. A large proportion of the attendance was of members of Parliament, the chair being occupied by Renato Kewepo, with Sir George Grey on his right, and Mr Gannon, officiating as interpreter, oa his left. After lunch had been disposed of, the toast of her Majesty the Queen was propoaed by the chairman, lollowed by that of the Governor of the colony and Sir George Grey. Sir George slated that lie had always been a good friend to the natives, and would continue their friend, and stand by their interests to the best of his ability. The toast of i ha Parliament followed, propose! by Henare Matua, and responded to by Mr Tuiaroa, the Hon. Wi Tako, Mr Tavvili, and the chairman. Nest in order came the following toasts, which were each honored with rounds of applausa :— The Supreme Court ; Thanks for the withdrawal of the Native Lands Bill; That both races might become oue people ; Tbat a change of Government might soon tike place; and congratulations to Mr Rubsoll on the vindication of his character by the verdict of the jury in the Waka Maori libel case. A Petroleum Fire in America,— - Advices received from Petrolia, Penn- ' sylvania, give particulars of a tremendous fire which occurred there recently. On that date a heavy thunderstorm passed over the district, which is a great oil centre. A flash of lightning struck one of tha large tanks onTrautuian farm, containing 22,000 barrels of oil. which ignited. Efforts were at once made to overcome the fire ; but ifc caught two other tanks, one containing 25,000 barrels of oil, which was completely destroyed • the ofcher, however, was extinguished by the application of steam. The burning oil ran down fche creek for about a mile setting on fire and destroying everything it came in contact witb. Its course was fortuuately stopped by Rawlston's dam, which was large enough to hold tho whole of the burning liquid. The damage was on a very large scale. The only hotel in the place was destroyed, together with the stabling, several dwelling houses, an oilstatiou, twelve oil wells and tanks, and a number of other buildings. The total quantity of oil destroyed was 47,000 barrels belonging to the United Pipe Line, and

twelve wells and tanks belonging to other companies, but the monetary loss could not be properly estimated. The town of Trautman itself suffered to the extent of 30,000d015. The greatest excitement prevailed in the surrounding districts but fortunately there was no loss of life.