BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

Westport Times, Volume VI, Issue 1026, 29 November 1872, Page 2

BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

(fHOM OUR OWIf COKRESPONDENTS.) CHHISTCHUECH. Nov. 25. An alarming fire broke out at seven o ( ciock last night, in High street, amid closely packed shops. The flames soon took a firm hold, being fanned by a stroug north-east wind, and the Brigade was detained through a want of horses, but they soou brought the engiuea into play at once on the scene. Tho fire is supposed to have originated iu Dunkerley's hat shop, and rapidly spread to]the premises of Moss, clothier; Fisher, Grocer; Boddington, bookseller; Holmes, confectioner ; Percy, bootmaker; M'Callum, jeweller : and also spread through the back iuto the next street, commencing at Raphael's and Gardner's, pianaforto makers.

The firo was confined to five houses in a closely packed row of shops all built of wood. Scarcely anything was saved except at Percy's, where moat of the stock was got out. The damage is estimated at over £IO,OOO. WELLINGTON", Nov. 26. Sailed FTalcione for London. A dwelling-house belonging to Williamson was found on lire in three places last night, but the alarm was quickly given, and the Brigade hurried out and extinguished the iiames. Little damage was done. lIOKITIKA. Nov. 28. White had a crowded meeting on the 23th, and a vote of confidence was passed to him. AUCKLAND. Nov. 28. Arrived the Merlin from Fiji. On November 18th, the natives burned two houses, property of Muir and Blackford. Natives punished. The Green Harp conspirators arrived at Fiji on November 10th. They shipped in the schooner Seagull, at Auckland heads. TIMAEU. Nov. 28. An inquest has been held on the remains of George Blackall, and a verdict returned of wilful murder against persons unknown.