INTERPIiOVINCIAL.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 241, 11 October 1877, Page 2

INTERPIiOVINCIAL.

[PBKSS AGENCY.]

Wellington*, Thursday. There was a slight shock of earthquake last night about seven minutes before ten.

A fire occurred at the Lower Hutf; last night in a house occupied by Mr A Lumsden and Patrick Alolloy. It was burned down in a very short time, the meu having some difficulty in escaping. Lnmsden had all his hair burned off, and his neck scorched.

Christchurch, Wednesday. Heavy showers of rain fell last night. They wilL be very welcome in the agricultural districts, where the dry weather began to be seriously felt.

Energetic steps are being taken to provide for the great increase anticipated in the grain t'-affic next season. Ten wagons are being built in the Government workshop, and tenders are to be called for 300 more.

As showing the state of the labor market, the Times this morning say 3: — "A railway contractor in the North Island recently tried to get forty men here at 8s per day, but failed to obtain half the number."

A pigeon race, 35 miles, in which there were thirteen entries, was won by Parker's Father Tom. Time, 55 minutes.

The Primate delivered the decision of the Episcopal Bench in the Kaiapoi case to-day; also the penalty he as Bishop of the Diocese imposed on the llev' Mr Carl von. The former was to the effect that Mr Carlyon had acted contrary to the teachings of the English Church; the latter ordered his suspension for one month, when, if he does not retract, be will be dismissed from his care. Mr Carlyon replied at length that he had not acted wrongly, and he does not seem likely to retract.

The Governor has commuted the sentence of death passed upon Karl Kehede for murder to that of imprisonment for life.

At the Magistrates' Court to-day, M. Murphy and 11. Wykes, commission agents, were charged with conspiring to defraud a man named Haramil. It appeared that Hauimil recently applied to Murphy for a loan. Murphy advised him to sell his stock, none of which had been paid for, and tell his creditors that his business did not pay. Hammil agreed. Murphy paid £20, and with Wykes removed stock worth £80 on Saturday niyht, finishing at five on Sunday morn.ing. The case was adjourned, bail being refused.

It is rumored that the projected Alliance Insurance Company has completely fallen through.

Thursday. A public meeting will be held on Friday evening to consider what steps it is desirable to take regarding the Indian Famine Relief Fund.

Dunedin, Thursday. The Indian Famine Relief Committee authorised the Mayor to forward £200 to Madras as a first instalment.

The annual meeting of the Otago Distsict Committee, 1.0.0.F.,M.U., was held last night, the income for six months being £3502.

Charles Bright, the free thought lecturer, was entertained at a soiree and ball in the Temperance Hall last night. He leaves for Auckland and Sydney.

Bluff, Wednesday. The Claud Hamilton arrived at 2 p.m. toda3'. She left Sandridge at 4-30 p.m. on the 3rd, and arrived at Hobartou on the 4th; left on the Gth, and arrived as above. Experienced strong S.S.W. winds and frequent squalls of rain throughout the passage. She brings 18 saloon and 19 steerage passengers, and 281 tons of cargo for all ports. For Nelson there are 3 tons of cargo; Greymouth, 3 tons; and Hokitika, 9 tons. The Claud Hamilton sails for Dunedin at 3 p.m. tomorrow.

Oneiiunga, Wednesday. Sailed — Taupo. for JS'ew Plymouth and Nelson, at 10-45 a.m. Passengers for Nelson: Miss Boyle, and Rev Mr Lee.

Kumara, Thursday. The evidence of the police in the murder case is still being taken, The statements made to them by prisoner are considered to be suspicious looking. The evidence for the Crown is expected to be completed to-day ; the defence will be taken ou Friday.

[from our own cohkespoxdent.J Wellington, Thursday, The position of the late Opposition party may be summarised as one of doubt, uncertsiinty, and dissension. Some of those who joined them did so on the condition that Sir Geoi-ge Grey was to have no part in the new Ministry, others ou the understanding that Mr Holleston was to be the leader, but the latter has not been mentioned as such. An attempt is being made to push Sir G. Grey forward, and the consequence is that two of the fractional parts of the strangely consorted party are disappointed, if not offended With regard to the Nelson city members, Mr Curtis was only willing to act under Mr Rolleston, and Mr Sharp bargained that Sir G. Grey should not be a Minister. Mr Lanifich undertook to form a Ministry, and framed the following list: — Mr Montgomery, Premier? Measra Rolleston, Sharp,

Macandrew, Sheehan, and Larnach. But Mr Montgomery refused on the ground that if Premier he should be consulted as' to his associates. Outside the idea of his being Premier is laughed at, he being an uneducated and altogether unfit man. Already it is being whispered abroad the possibility of Major Atkiuson beiug asked to take the lead, disssociated from Messrs Whitaker, Ormoud, and M'Lean, but the late Opposition are likely to agree to considerable compromises before so palpably admitting their weakness. A meeting is to be held this afternoon, when, if possible, something will be decided.