NEW ZEALAND.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2291, 21 July 1880, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND.

[Per “Times” Special Wire.] Escape and rc-capture of a Prisoner Auckland, July 21. The prisoner "Whittle, who escaped from the gaol, at first made towards the Waihakerei ranges, but subsequently doubled back towards town. He was approhcnded““last night at Otahuhu by Detective Brennan, who ascertained that his sister and his mother-in-law resided in the village, and after patient waiting the man turned up and was marched back to Auckland. There will be an inquiry into the escape. Attempted Suicide. W ELLINGTON, July 21. At the Police Court, John Palmer, late of Oamam. who was prosecuted for attempting suicide was discharged. An endeavor will bo made to obtain employment for him. Exhibition of Poultry Christchurch, July 21. The Poultry Association’s Animal Exhibition is now being held. There are over bOO exhibits, and the show is a great success. In poultry classes the chief prizes have been taken by Sydney James, Dunedin ; J. llobertson, Port Chalmers ; and T. Mackie, Mosgiel. For the pigeon race from Timaru, to-morrow id entries have been received. A Walking - ESatch off. The twelve hours walking match be-

tween Swan, of Christchurch, and O’Connor, of Timaru, is off, the latter having failed to pay his second deposit. Swan was backed to cover 65 miles in 12 hours. Extensive Fires in Dunedin. Dunedin, July 21. Thompson’s store in Forth street was destroyed by fire at eleven lust night. The origin is unknown. The building was insured for £2OO in the Norwich Union, and the stock for £4OO in the South British. At two this morning a two storied building occupied at the Auld Scotland Hotel was burned down. The insurances on the building was in the National for £SOO, and this was reinsured as follows : —Transatlantic, Norwich Union, Victoria, and South British, £IOO each. The stock was insured for £l5O, and the furniture for £350 in the Iloyal. There are suspicious circumstances. Housebreaking. John Thomas, Isabella Thomas, and John Dutton were committed for trial for housebreaking. The only evidence against the two last named w'as that they pledged the stolen property. Railway Agitation. Invercargill, July 21. A meeting of railway employees appointed a deputation to wait on the heads of the Department regarding the proposed reductions in the Civil Service. Another Coalfield* Steps are being taken for the developenient of the coal resources of Preservation Inlet.