INTERPROVINCIAL

[Per Press Absooiation.] WELLINGTON, Today. The Alhambra Hall, situated in Adelaide road, was destroyed by fire early this morning. There are no details at present. The Chinese have given £50 to the hospital, which, with the Government subsidy, means about £100. Later. — The Alhambra Hall was almost completely destroyed by a fire which cvi dently broke out in the centre of the hall, which is used for. dancing classes. The absence of water prevented one of the occu pants putting out the flames in an incipient stage. The building was owned by Mr William Mitchell, and was formerly the Oddfellows' Hall in Lambton Quay. It was insured for only £250 in the Commercial Union, that sum being much below its value. Roberts, the caretaker, had £200 in the National on the furniture and effects ; Mrs Cowan, at present in Auckland, had £100 in the National on goods stored in the hall. A oouple of Btnall storekeepers under the hall had no insurance. While the fire engine, with Capt. Kemsley and eight others on it, was proceeding to the fire it ran into a steamr oller, which had no lights Bhowing. AH were thrown to the ground, but fortunately escaped with but a severe shaking. Captain Kemsley suffered most, as he had his back turned to the horses, giving instructions to the men, when the collision happened, but he went on and directed the men at the fire. He is pro gressing favorably, AUCKLAND, To-day. At a meeting of the Knights of Labor it Was decided to send a telegram to tho Premier expressive of their pleasure at the erection of a statue to the memory -of the late Hon. John Ballance. In the event of two riflemen being required to represent Auckland in the New Zealand rifle team, proposed to be sent to England, the officer commanding the district has decided to determine the representatives by ft oheoting competition. Allan William O'Neill, solicitor, of Auck land, has been adjudged a bankrupt on the petition of the Bank of New Zealand. The s.s. Mamari sighted a quantity of ice on the passage from London. DUNEDIN, To-day. Miss Ethel Rebecca Benjamin has been admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court. OHRISTCHUKCH, To-day. 