NEW ZEALAND.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2504, 30 March 1881, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND.

FPee “Times” Special Wibe.l Valuable Stacks. Auckland, March 30. Two stacks of wheat, and one of oaten hav were burnt at James Elliott’s form, near They were insured for £460 in the Union office. There is no clue to the origin of the fire. Mining:. Rich specimens from Coromandel exhibited in town to-day, are causing a great deal of excitement, and a rise in shares. Masonic. The foundation stone of the Masonic Hall Princes street was laid with Masonic honors to-day The District Grand Lodge, E.C., met at the Choral Hall where the Past Grand Lodge, North of Ireland, J.C.Y., S.C., were received. District Grand Master Graham addressed the Masons. A procession to St, James’ Cathedral was then formed, where Bro. Dr Kidd preached a sermon. The procession re-formed and went to the Hall site, where a temporary platform was erected and a large crowd assembled. District Grand Master Graham laid the stone, and Bro. F. Whittaker, AttorneyGeneral and Provincial Grand Master, delivered an oration. Nautical Enquiry. Wellington. Maich 30 An enquiry will be held on Thursday, April 7, into the circumstances in connection with the mishap to the steamer Penguin, on Friday last. The lunatic Scandal. The Asylum Commission made an inspection of the Asylum yesterday. It is expected their report will be presented to the Governor early next week. Gathered In. Dunedin, March 30. At the City Court Charles Fowler was committed for trial for stealing £3O. A second charge of stealing £5 was dismissed. Homestead Destroyed. Invercargill, March 30. The dwelling of Sinclair, a farmer, at Castlerock, was totally destroyed by fire, the family narrowly escaping, after leaving their clothing and everything else to the flames.