NAPIER.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3086, 8 January 1879, Page 2

NAPIER.

Tuesday.

An inquest was held before Mr Todd on the late fire, which resulted from sparks from the railway at Waipukurau. Prom the evidence it appeared that property worth £4000 was destroyed belonging to the following settlers .—-The Hon.

H. E. Eussell, Messrs G. Bussell, F. H. Drower, John Harding, and J. Hayes. The taking of the evidence occupied six hours. The following verdict was given : —" That the whole of the fires that took place on the 21st, 24th, and 25th December last; that the large amount of property destroyed both north and south of the Waipukurau station, was caused by sparks from the railway engines." The following rider was added :—" That the jury consider the railway authorities are solely to blame through not having sparkcatchers and a fire box guard attached to the engines; also, in not taking extra precaution for placing men along the line after being duly warned."

The sessions of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand North were resumed at nine o'clock this morning. The business was chiefly reports of the working of the Order throughout the North Island, with highly instructive information at to rendering it more efficient than it has ever been. A most cordial message of congratulation from the Grand Worthy Secretary, J. W. Baker, New South Wales, was received by telegram during the morning. This lodge works under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the World. The lodge will continue to work in the subordinate degree the whole of to-day and tomorrow. The ship Adamant, with immigrants, bound for Napier from London, 99 days out, was signalled off Opunaki yesterday. She signalled all well, and desired to be reported at Napier. With a fair wind the Adamant should be here on or about Saturday next. At a meeting of the new Eacing Club, it was announced that races should be held on the 18th and 19th of March. £700 was subscribed.