LATEST SOUTHERN NEWS.

Waikato Times, Volume V, Issue 295, 2 April 1874, Page 2

LATEST SOUTHERN NEWS.

Wellington, Wednesday. The Independent says that the oauie of the delay in the publication of tho Handbook of the Colony ii tb.it thos» portions of it relating to two of the principal provinces have occupied longer in preparation than was expected, but the information ii promised in another week. It is believed that it it the intention to neud the handbook home for publication, and distribute it there m large numbers.

Nelson, Wednesday. A destructivo fire took place thii morning in Bridge stroet. It broke out in Phillips' ooap works, whioli were destroyed ; and Thornton's saddler's 6hop on one iide, and Wyinond's, draper* shop, on the other ; also the billiard rooms and •tablet attaohad to tho Trafalgar hotel. Wymond'i goods were insured for £4,100, and the building for £1,400, Phillip*' store and house for £900. Thornton was uninsured. Wymond's loss u far in excees of insurance. Total insurance—South British, £1,400 ; Norioh Union, £500 ; National, £1,000; Victoria, £1,800; New Zealand, £1,000; London and Lirerpool, £1,500. Beforo the alarm was given tho flames had secured the mastery.

Greymouth, Wednesday. The |Manager of the Greymouth Coal Company report! that coal has been found by boring at 200 feet. The team is 17 feet thick and of first-rate quality. He alio reports that a quarter of a mile distant from tbo borings coal has been discovered 65 feet from the surfaco. The sinking of a shaft will bo commenced immediately. The requisite plant has been pwrcbaied by tho company ; they will be ready to supply coal in threo months.