Local and General.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 69, 18 February 1884, Page 2

Local and General.

Destructive Fire.—This morning, at 4 o’clock, the alarming notes of the new firebell awoke the inhabitants of our town. On proceeding in the direction of Lowe Street, we found the scene of the conflagration to be the house lately occupied by Dr. Leggatt. The whole of the building was then one body of flame, the fire just extending to the outhouses, and the total destruction of the whole property was inevitable. As far as we can learn at present the house was entirely empty. At the time of our going to press the Fire Brigade had not put in an appearance. Assessment Court.—The Assessment Court will sit on Thursday, the 28th instant, for the purpose of hearing objections against the present valuation-roll. Licensing Committees.—The Committees hold their quarterly meetings (for renewals only) during the first week in March. Memorials against the issue of publicans’ licenses must be lodged seven days before the meeting. The Waihora.—lt will be seen by our telegrams that this vessel has been docked, and is to leave for Melbourne to-day, Fertility of our Soil.—The other day we had the pleasure of witnessing the extraordinary fertility of our sandy soil in a newly, formed garden. About six months ago, Mr. H. J. Finn purchased a few acres of land off the Roebuck Road, and immediately get to work clearing and planting. In an incredibly short time, such was the success of his gardener, combined with the productiveness of the land, that he took several prizes for vegetables at the last Horticultural Show. The whole garden now presents a most thriving appearance ; besides vegetables of nearly every possible description, the young fruit trees are making wonderful progress, several small ones actually bearing fruit before they are strong enough to sustain the weight of the same. The Finn Medal.—We are informed by Captain Winter that, from a rough draft which he retains, there can be little doubt but what Morrison (1) is the winner of the Finn Gold Medal. Rather Tall.—One of the performers at the Ormond cricket-match on Saturday afternoon stated that when playing in a match some time ago he made ninety-one runs off Spofforth’s bowling. In the same game he “ cut” a ball 380 yards. As he was an Irishman, and a big one too, no one thought of doubting his veracity. The Gisbornites will have to keep their eye on this “ demon.” Teacher Wanted.—A teacher is wanted for the Waerenga-a-hika School.—See advertisement. Saturday’s Sales.—Messrs. C. Smith and Co. offered two properties for sale on Saturday afternoon, the first being Section 221, corner of Palmerston Road and Cobden Street, with two dwellings thereon, at present in the occupation of Mr. F. J. Piesse. There was no bid whatever for this lot, owing, no doubt, to the encumbered state of the property, there being a mortgage of £217 19s. 6d. to the Building Society and £l7O to the bank, together with £3 rates—altogether, £3BO 19s. 6d. The next lot was Section 218, | acre, in Palmerston Road, with a four-roomed house thereon, at present in the occupation of Mr. Hill. There was also a mortgage of

£lOO at 12J per cent* on this property. There were but two bids for this lot—viz., £l3O and £l4o—which was accordingly passed in, The sale of sundries was started with some new Austrian tent-chairs, half-a-dozen being sold at Bs. 6d., while the remainder were passed in at Bs. The remaining lots of miscellaneous goods went off rather slowly. Messrs. Carlaw Smith and Co. will hold their next sale at Makaraka on Tuesday next, when they will offer for sale some good draught horses, ponies, mixed cattle, cart, harness, and numerous agricultural implements. Young Men’s Institute.—A committee meeting of the gentlemen appointed to organise the formation of a Young Men’s Institute will be held at the residence of Dr. Pollen this evening at seven o’clock. Tram Rails.—The suggestion as to getting the tram rails taken up and stacked without cost, by giving the old sleepers as an equivalent for the trouble, was suggested nearly six months ago by the Mayor, Mr. E. K. Brown, when the question was brought before the Borough Council on the termination of th" metalling contract. Hard Times.—“ In order to meet the scarcity of money” Mr. John Anderson has determined to sell hoots and shoes at wholesale prices. Breakwater.—The Oamaru breakwater has been completed—that is, so far as the contractors are concerned. Under circumstances of a most disheartening and expensive nature (says the Oamaru Tinies), Mr. Miller has for close upon two years endeavored to push forward the work of completion, but in this he has been baffled by tempestuous weather, which has not only delayed the work, but put him to heavy expense. There certainly can have been very little pecuniary profit in laying the final section of the wall. However, the work was completed yesterday morning by the addition of another enormous block to those previously placed in position. We believe the Board has not yet decided whether to erect a tower, as originally contemplated, at the end of the wall, or simply to erect a frame for a light.” Survey Parties.—The Taranaki Herald says :—“ We learn that arrangements are being made for the survey parties to start early next week to explore the country for a railway via Mokau. It is expected that four different parties will start on Wednesday next, each party being assigned a distinct part of the ground to be explored.”

Operations at Kawhia. — The Egmont Courier has the following:—“From a private letter received from Kawhia, we hear that the buyers of sections at the recent sale have already commenced building operations. During the last week three steamers visited the harbor, bringing timber, Ac, Messrs. Langley Bros., it is understood, contemplate erecting a hotel to cost about £2,000.