INTERPROVINCIAL.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 49, 26 February 1878, Page 2

INTERPROVINCIAL.

fjPKKSS AGENCV.] Chiustchtjkch, Monday. Jabez Heaseman, guard on the Southern Eailway, had a narrow escape from death on Saturday evening. Heaseman, Thomas Williams, and Gale Butler were travelling with a step brother between Timaru and Christchurch, and when near Duusandel Butler became excited, asserting that he had baen robbed. The stepbrother sent for the guard and told him that Butler was deranged, and that he had a loaded revolver iu the bag, and looked very excited. Heaseman asked Butler to let him take the bag into the luggage van, when Butler immediately pulled°a revolver out and shot at Heaseman. The latter felt a smart blow on bis left side, but nothing more. He seized Butler, and with the aid of passengers took the revolver away and bound him. Subsequently Heaseman found that the bullet struck hitn on the left side, but having a purse full of copper and silver coins in his waistcoat pocket, the bu let was turned aside by them, Heaseman being thus saved from almost certain death. All the chambers of the revolver were loaded. Butler until lately has been farming at One Tree Point, Invercargill. A short time ago he appeared queer in the head, and his stepbrother had him examined by Dr Hennan, of Invercargill, who recommended his removal to the Dunedin Lunatic Asylum. The stepbrother started to take him there, but on reaching Dunedin. Butler said he would go on to Canterbury ; also that there were a lot of bad men and devils about him, and he would buy a revolver to keep them off ; this his brother allowed him to do. Tuesday. At the Conference of Canterbury Mayors and Chairmen of County Councils it is proposed to consider Hospital aud Charitable Aid questions. There are seven local candidates for matriculation inthe New Zealaud University. A youth named Morris, a native of Oxford, Northern Canterbury, made his debut last night as au imitator of Blondin's performance. It included several of Blondin's best tricks, and was remarkably good. Hoxokca, Monday. _ Mr Key had taken a contract for the erection of a flour mill, aud had already erected a portion of it, besides a large raupo whare for the accommodation of his men, when the Ngatatura tribe came and pulled down the whole fabric. The Ngatwhakakawos interfered and placed sentries over the building and plant, and defied the Ngalaturas to interfere. The Government officer is uow awaiting instructions from the Government as to how he shall proceed. Aiiauua, Saturdaj-. Sir G. Grey was heartily welcomed here this morning, residents from all parts of the district beiug present. Matters of public importance, including the east coast road and postal communication, bridges, land offi c, &c, were all favorably noticed, and plaus for the Ahaura Bridge are to bc prepared at once. A man named Joseph Parker was suffocated through foul air in his claim at noon yesterday. He was working iu a shaft between Napoleon Hill and Orwell Creek, and before help was possible he was dead. Attempts to rescue him were nearly attended with further fatal consequences. Dunedin, Monday. An important case came on at the police court to-day. Cameron, originator of the Puoedia Cup Sweep, was prosecuted

under the town and country police ordinance prohibiting lotteries. The case was postponed till Saturday, to enable the magistrate to consider whether participators in the sweop would criminate themselves by giving evidence, the lawyer holding that if the lottery were illegal those taking part need not giv6 evivencc which would implicate them as aiding and abetting a wrong. Three witnesses refused to gi?e evidence. Great dissatisfaction is daily displayed re Education Act. A number of deputations from country school committees have waited on the Education Board asking for funds for school accommodation. Hundreds of children havo beeu refused admittance already owing to crowded schools. Only £10,000 is available for Otago, aud £50,000 would hardly be sufficient for proper accommodation. People generally express a desire that fees should he charged. They do not want free education except for those uuable to pay. They would be willing to as long as accommodation was provided, but there are no funds for this. It is admitted ou all hands that the Bill will have to be amended next session. Komara, Monday. Sir George Grey arrived here by special train this afternoon. He was met by the Mayor and Council. Five hundred children were present. All the friendly societies were in regalia, and with bands. He had a most enthusiastic reception, and there will be a bauquet to-night. Tuesday. . Last night Sir G. Grey received a telegram from Sir John Coode, from Melbourne, promising to come and inspect the harbor works if arrangements could be made at once. Wellington, Tuesday. At Messrs Bethume and Hunter's wool sale, 5 1 bales of long wool realised 9£d per lb; 7 bales of merino in grease 9£d; 4 baits of pieces 4d; 2 bales of sheepskins s£d; one bale of merino skins 4£d; one bale of ditto sd. Arrived — Ship Revenue from London. She left the docks on Nov. 19th and last sight of land on Dec. Ist and made land here on the 12th Feb. She had a fair weather passage and brings a full cargo and about 20 passengers. Westport, Tuesday. The New Zealand Insurance Company offer £100 reward for the information leading the conviction of the supposed incendiary of Clark's Rink Hall. Timaru, Tuesday. The Evening News cerses publication at the end of February.