TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5204, 26 November 1877, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

(PER PRESS AGENCY). Christchurch, Saturday. Joseph N. Oddinant while engaged in shunting trucks with a horse at the railway slipped and fell on to the line. A loaded truck passed over part of both legs, completely smashing them. He was removed to the hospital, but died two hours after. He leaves a wife and ten childien totally unprovided for. A brass baud composed of the employes of Toomer’s boot factorj gave the first of a series of gratuitous musical performances in the domain to-day. The Anniversary Hay celebration of the province will be on a large scale. A general desire is expressed that the Government will accede to the request for a public holiday. The petition in favor of the holiday is being numerously signed. The Wellington and Dunedin Cup 'handicaps do not seem to give general satisfaction. Danebury is considered to be let in very light. The Drainage Board have received a letter from Mr. Clarke stating that his visit to give an opinion on the Christchurch drainage scheme would be delayed, as Ire had to proceed to Adelaide. The Board are annoyed at this further delay, and have decided to ask the Wellington City Council, who also require his services, to co-operate with the view of bringing pressure to bear on Mr. Clarke to come at once. Dunedin, Saturday. Levy arrived last night, and was played to his hotel by the railway brass band. There are a large number of entries for the Metropolitan Agricultural Show, to be held on Wednesday and Thursday next at Kyeburn. Mr. Preston and his shepherd have been drowned while bathing. Mr. Dalrymple, the initiator of the savings banks in schools scheme, has been advised that a clause introducing the system will be added to the Education Bill. The railway line between Dunedin and Blueskin will be open before Christmas. The proposed juvenile exhibition is likely to fall through, as no interest is evinced in it. The Coombe Hays estate, Tokomairiro, has been purchased by Mr. Kenyon, solicitor, Dunedin, for £20,000. Two men have been arrested, charged with stealing a number of gifts, the property of the American Diorama Company, Kumaba, Sunday. . The Rev. C. Clarke is exciting great enthusiasm on the Coast. There was a great rush to obtain seats at the opening lecture here last night, aud the assistance of the police was necessary to preserve order. , Greymouth, Sunday. A crowded meeting took place last night in the Town Hall to receive explanations regarding the harbor works from Mr. O’Connor, district engineer. Mr. O’Connor strongly defended the method of construction at present pursued, and expressed his confidence in the success of the works. At the termination of the meeting a vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. O’Connor for his explanation, which by some of the leading citizens of Greymouth was considered satisfactory. New Plymouth, Sunday. Miss Retford’s tobacconist shop in Devonstreet was burnt to the ground this morning at one o’clock. Nothing has been saved. The insurances on the building are £2OO in the South British and £IOO in the New Zealand ; stock, £6OO in the New Zealand. The fire broke out in the shop, but the origin ■ is not known. The building was separated from the large blocks by the river and railway on one side, and on the other by some old buildings which had been removed a few days previously. Auckland, Sunday. The Auckland and North Shore crews competed in outriggers for a silver'cup presented by Mrs. Tavares. Auckland won by 100 yards. At the sales of pictures at the Artists’ Exhibition good prices were obtained. The Art Union realised £ll2. The total amount subscribed here to the Indian Famine Relief Fund to date is £lßls.