TELEGRAPHIC.

Patea Mail, 11 October 1882, Page 3

TELEGRAPHIC.

[per press association.] AUCKLAND, Oct. 10. Professor Guscott, the herbalist, well known in the South Island, died yesterday, Mr Peacock addressed the electors of City North yesternight, and received a vote of thanks. The 40th anniversary of the arrival of the ships Duchess of Argyle and Jane Gifford with Scotch immigrants in Auckland, was celebrated yesternight by a reunion of the survivors and their descendants. About 500 arrived in two ships, of which 50 were present last night. Twenty of the survivors have 662 descendants. Among the through passengers by the Zealandia for San Francisco are Mr Morris Greenwall, of the Quintette Club, who goes to America to bring back further novelties ; also, the Rev. Joseph Cook, Boston lecturer, who delivered a lecture in the Opera House, during the stay of the steamer, on “Religions signs of the times ” The house was packed to excess. Nearly all the local clergy were on the platform. Sergeant Anderson, marker at the rifle range, was hit in the eye while marking by a piece of a spent bullet. The injury is serious, and he has been sent to the hospital. MASTERTON, Oct. 10. The Mastcrton Town Hall was destroyed by fire at 1.30 this morning. The hall was in the occupation of Maoris till 1 o’clock. The building is valued at £IOOO, and was insured in the South British for £750. The Fire' Brigade worked well, saving the Comity and Government buildings adjacent to the hall. Mr James Brown, the custodian, saved his wife and children, who were sleeping in the building, but his furniture and effects were destroyed. He estimates his loss at

£3OO, his property being uninsured. The hall is the property of the Town Lands Trust. CHRISTCHURCH, Oct. 10. A little girl named Cecilia Mullins, 18 months’ old, fell down a well at Addington, this afternoon, and was drowned. About half-past 2 o’clock to-day the body of a man was found in a yard next to the White Hart Hotel, being first seen by a boy employed at the hotel. A constable proceeded to the spot, and found the corpse lying on its back in a corner of the yard. There were no marks of violence about the body, which was not stiff. Dr Hurst was brought, and expressed an opinion that the man had not been long dead. His name is believed to be Bradbury, and he is said to be well connected, but of intemperate habits. He arrived last night from Timaru. DUNEDIN, Oct. 10. The Papakaio murder case was continued at the Supreme Court till 5.30 p.m., eight witnesses being examined. It is adjourned till to-morrow. Bishop Nevill, in his opening address to the Synod to-day, referred at some length to the question of effecting a union between the Wesleyans and Episcopalians in Otago, and expressed the hope that at no distant day this would come to pass. INVERCARGILL, Oct. 10. An extensive fire broke out about 11.30 last night on the North Road, and apparently about two miles from town. It is as yet unknown what buildings are involved, but it is evidently a large fire ; probably an hotel or sawmill at Gladstone.