NORTHERN NEWS.

Southland Times, Issue 1192, 7 January 1870, Page 3

NORTHERN NEWS.

Wellington, December 31st. The regulations for the Colonial Prize Firing have been published There are six sets of prizes, viz. :— (1.) 300, 400, and 500 yards, five shots at each range. (2 ) 400,"500, and 600 yards, seven shots at each range. (3.) Judging distance, not more than 600 yards. (4.) Running prizes, 200 yards. (5.) For rapidity m firing- time, three minutes; distance, 200 and 300 yards. (6.) Consolation match. The champion belt and a gold medal of the value of £40 will be given to the highest aggregate scorer in the first five Bets. Each company will be allowed to send one representative for every fifteen men. Twenty districts each send three representatives, chosen by competitive firing from the representatives of the various companies by five shots at 400, 500, and 600 yards. No one will be eligible who makes a less score than 40 points. The district prizes will be fired for as usual during March or February, and the company representatives will be chosen before the end of January. There will be three prizes for each set of the colonial matches, seven consolation, and three cadet prizes. Napier, January 3rd., i Topine, who opposed the advance of Kemp's war party, has withdrawn his opposition, and is supplying him with food. Kemp has reached Maraekowi, one day s journey from where Te Kooti is said to be. Rumours are current of an engagement having taken place, but nothing certain is known. , A letter has been received by Topine from Waikato approving of his J and Kemp's proceedings with regard to Te Kooti. This confirms the sincerity of the expressed intentions of the Waikatos to carry out the arrangements made with Mr M'Lean. Communication by road with Taupo is cut off, owing to the heavy floods. The ferry-boat also has been washed away. John Skeen, formerly in the Armed Constabulary force, was drowned yesterday while bathing, being sucked under by the drawback of a wave. His body was found to-day. Dr Hector has returned from the Kaimanawa country, the heavy floods which have taken place all over the province having prevented him from exploring. A boat with the name " Ada " on its stern, was washed ashore yesterdayLawrence, January 2nd. The largest flood ever known here took place to-day. AH the claims in the gullies are filled up, aid many houses are under water. Bridges, outbuildings, sluice-boxes, timber, poultry, pigs, &c., are floating down with the flood. The water is three feet deep in the Junction Hotel, and is still rising. It is also blowing hard.