LAST NIGHTS NEWS. London, January 12. AUCKLAND. TRAIN WRECKING AGAIN. WELLINGTON. DUNEDIN. CHRISTCHURCH.

Waikato Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1179, 17 January 1880, Page 2

LAST NIGHTS NEWS. London, January 12.

AUCKLAND. TRAIN WRECKING AGAIN.

WELLINGTON.

DUNEDIN.

CHRISTCHURCH.

An awful disaster occurred at St. Kitts, one of the British West Indian Islands seaward group. Terrible flocds overflowed the low flat country. Two hundred per sons were drowned, and there was great destruction of property. The Du<e 'chleswig Holstein is dead. Garibddi has succeeded in obtaining a divorce from his wife. Riots occurred at Pesth. The attitude of Bussia and France is warlike. It is believed that an offensive and defensive alliance exists between them. Germany is increasing her artillery and putting her fortresses on the frontier of Russia into order. January 15. The meat shipped under refrigerating process reached Sues in excellent condition. The inhabitants of Catml declare their inability to pay the tine imposed by Generel Roberts for the massacre of the British fimbressy. The Lundepotal and Dapha garrisons are imperilled.

A diabolical attempt to upeet a train was made this afternoon. When the t^ain whigb loaves Auckland w<ta ap«

preaching 1 the Domain tunnel, Hie driitor observed a number of very large scoria stones placed across the line. These muafc have been put there since the previous train passed. He stopped the engine and looked round, but could see no one. He removed the stones to one side and resumed his journey, reporting the matter on arrival at .Newmarket, from whence intelligence was sent to town. Meanwhile, however, the 2.10 train 'left, when, on reaching the same spot, it was found that the stones had been replaced. There could be no doubt from this fact that some miscreant had deliberately planned the destruction of the train, and was waiting in the vioinity to watch the result of his diabolical plot. The vigilance of the drivers, however, in both cases defeated the dastardly scheme. If any train had come down the track while the stones were there the destruction would have been inevitable, the speed on emerging from the tunnel rendering it improbable, if not impossible, that the train could be stopped in time to save wrecking. A deputation from the Thames to-day handed the Hon. Mr Whitaker a memorandum giving a number of reasons why the railway should be continued from the Thames end. The Board of Education's list of schools required was submitted. Tho amount is £11,106. It -was resolved to get plans and go on with tho buildings as luickly as funds would allow ; also, to jpen half-time schools at Waihou and vVaitoaJ '

It is stated that owing to dullness of joastal trade the Union Steam Shipping Company intend laying up three of their steamers. Subscriptions to the Irish Relief Fund are steadily increasing 1 . The workman on the section of Central Railway, set apart for the unemployed, ield a meeting to air their grievances, md decided to petition Government for an increase of regular payment.

Mr Pish, the ousted mayor, is to bo presented on Monday with a subscription jf £4,230.

Eust has made its appearance in the wheat crops in the Doyleston and other jarts of the Ellesmere di&trict. By the Ban Francisco mail the Acclinatisation Society received from Mr Walter Kennaway, the Acclimatisation Society's ajrent in London, a letter giving s'ne following list of birds shipped per >Viiraate, in charge of Mr H. Bills :—240: — 240 >artridges, 100 thrushes, 50 yellowhammers, 60 red poles, 110 bramble hrushea, 40 pheasants, 20 crowbills, 180 luail, 65 siskine, 80 twits, 10 robins, 100 aedge- chanters, and 10 red bunting. No jrabs or lobsters had been shipped, as Mr Hills thought that the care of the birds luring the voyage was as much as he jould do with satisfaction to himself The Vaimate had sailed from Q-ravesend on November 27th, and although very bad .reather had been experienced during the /oyage in the Downs, Mr Kennaway •tates, from a personal inspection of the oirds on board, that they were all in good health, and are like y to do well.