THE STRAITS AND LABUAN.

Southland Times, Issue 1054, 9 November 1868, Page 3

THE STRAITS AND LABUAN.

-The following extracts are from the ' Overland Straits Times ' of September 26th:— An alarming fire which might have destroyed the whole town, broke out about 11 o'clock at night on the 17th instant in the godowns occupied by Messrs Puttfarcken, Eheiner & Co., in Princes-street, and resulted in the total destruction of the godowns in which it originated. By the strenuous exertions of the Police under Mr Dunman, and a body of 150 Blue Jackets from H.M.S. Perseus, and H.M. surveying steamer Bifleman, under the command of the Senior Naval Officer, the fire was prevented from spreading to the adjoining buildings. Messrs Puttfarcken, Eheiner & Co. were fully 1 insured in several offices, and the value of the property destroyed has been roughly estimated at $150,000. The flag of the North German Confederation was hoisted officially for the first time, at noon on the 9th, at the residence of the Consul for the Confederation, E. Von der Heyde, Esq., of Messrs Behn, Meyer & Co. The whole German community were present, we understand. The Bremen, Lubeck, Hamburgh, Oldenburg, Mecklenburgh, and Prussian flags were displayed all morning till noon, when they were hauled down, and the B.ed, White, and Black flag hoisted to a salute of 21 guns. We have news from Labuan to the 12th inst. The little colony seems to be prospering and contented under their new Governor. A schooner under British colors, owned by a Labuan Chinese, had been attacked and taken by 15 piratical Sooloo prahus, in Malludu Bay, and upon receipt of the news, Governor Hennessy had started in pursuit, in H. M's gun-boat Dwarf, which had arrived opportunely from Hongkong.