TELEGRAMS TO THE “MAIL.”

Patea Mail, 26 April 1882, Page 3

TELEGRAMS TO THE “MAIL.”

(PER UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Fire in Wellington

Wellington, 25th.—A destructive fire broke out at 1.80, this morning in the premises situated in Panama-street, and occupied by Messrs Smith and Overend, wine and spirit merchants. The. fire spread rapidly, and in half an hour the building was completely gutted. Through the exertions of the fire brigade the stores of J, H. Heaton, commission agent, and George Thomas, auctioneer, were saved, although damaged to some extent by water and fire. Tho fire brigade and salvage corps worked splendidly. . Nothing is known as to the origin of the fire. One ol the proprietors was in the store at midnight, and states that when lie left everything was safe. Among insurances the South British has £7OO on Thomas’s store, which was partially destroyed. GREAT INCREASE OP REVENUE. AVERAGING 124 PER CENT., Wellington, 26tb.—The Customs revenue of the colony' for the quarter ending 31st March last represents the largest contribution from such a source ever collected in any 7 one quarter. The amount ■ was £3*96,-740, an d in round figures it brings up the total Customs revenue for the financial year to £1,472,077, or nearly £128,000 over the Colonial Treasurer’s estimate, and £162,229 over the revenue of the preceding year. All the ports of the colony share in the improvement excepting Westport, Hokitika, and Greymouth, which, in the aggregated return show a small falling oft. The increase on the returns of 1881-82, as compared with those of 1880-81, are officially given, the average increase for the whole colony is about. per cent. Pound Dead,. Dunedin.—The body of an elderly man, found dead : near Shag River, is a stranger to the districtyand has not been identified.

Dwelling Burnt.

Dunedin.—A seven-roomed house •in Cly'de street, occupied by Charles Elliot, and owned by G. W. Elliot, was burned to the ground at seven o’clock this morning. Nothing was saved. The family' were all in bed. House insured for £4OO ;"furniture for £l7O. Visitors to the Exhibition. ; Christchurch.—The total number of visitors to the Ehibilion during the first 14 days amounted to 51,879. The promoters consider this very satisfactory.