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Southland Times, Issue 707, 9 August 1867, Page 2

We are obliged to hold over the report of the proceedings of the Biverton. and Bluff nominations. Ihey will appear, however, in our next issue. We regret that we cannot give the Bluff report in our present issue, as it materially differs from the version already published. It will be seen from our advertising co'.umus that in consequence of the inclemency of the weatb.ec, Madame Carandini'a benefit is postponed until Monday evening next. Telegraphic communication with Dunedin, Wellington, Nelsor>, Blenheim, Picton, Hotitika, Greymouth, Bealy, Queenstown, and Clyde is interrupted. It is thought that the line has been injured in several places by the heavy gales ; and it is believed (hat portions of the wires which run along the coast have been washed away. Between 3 and 4 o'clock on Wednesday morning, the 7th August, the doleful sound of the fire bell was heard. It appears that about, half past 3 o'clock, Constable Tuohy, who was then on duty observed a house on fire in the direction of Yarrow-street. Upon reaching the scene of the fire it was found that it was the premises of Mr Aspray, c%ndlemaker. The fire burnt with great fury lor a time, and the whole of the premises, which fortunately were isolated, were entirely destroyed. The origin of the fire is unknown. The Captain and several members of the Fire Brigade were speedily on the ground, but they could do little to stay the progress of the fire. The fearful state of the streets prevented the engines and other appliances reaching the spot. We understand that Mr Aspray is a great loser, and is not insured. Independent of the building, his loss by the destruction of plant, stock &c, wi'l be over £130. The " Oamara Times" of Ttiesdaj say» : — " Mr Thomson, on his visit to Oamaru the other day, formed a very high opinion of our limestone. He sa jr S — < I have observed on the seashore a block of fortification limestone that had been exposed to the full action of the sin*f for sis months. It was covered with lichens, and showed no evidence of decomposition. The lower part of the stone, however, where exposed to the rubbing of the shingle and sand, was a little worn. The stone is quite as good as that of Malta, which is extensively used in quay works ; and I would have no hesitation in adopting it for a similar purpose when free from exposure to driven sand or shingle.' " The "Otago Daily Times" of the 29th ult. says : — " Mr Dillon Bell has presented a petition to the General Assembly, praying that Colonial scholarships be founded, to provide for the education of youug men, to be selected by open competion from the New Zealand schools, at the Universities of the Mother Country. The prayer of the petition has been so far granted that a committee has been appointed to consider tha matter, and the Rev. Mr F. C. Simmons departed for Wellington yesterday, having been summoned as a witness on the committee. As portion of this scheme, Mr Simmons advocates the system of Provincial scholarships, so that boys selected i from the District Schools,' shall receive a free education at the High School. Ifcthe scheme be carried out, "the poorest man in Otago. if he have a son of talent, may hope to see him receive the highest education the Mother Country can give to the wealthiest at Home,