[. _ Wellington, Monday. j Rain has so* in at last, but is not ! heavy at present. Had it not come, i the town would soon have been 1 reduced to condensed milk, as the pastures were failing rapidly and the supply of milk was running short. With tho exception of one light shower there has been no rain for many weeks. A Crowded Hospital- Wkujxotox, Monday, There has been a great increase of patients in tho local hospital. Accom modation lias to bo provided on stretchers. The increase is general, and is not confined to auy particular ' complaint. TfieEscapfid Prisoner- Wancianui Monday. Johnston tho escaped prisoner, is still at large, Ho has been Men at several places close to town. SAD ACCOTT. Patba, Monday. A- .sad accident happened on VVaverley beach ycstei day, A party went into the sea for a bathe, when a boy named Kirk got out of his depth. His kosher went to his assistance, tut was carried by the undercurrent on to the rocks, and it is presumed got entangled in tho sea weed, A youth named .Robinson went lo his assistance, but also got entangled. Both were drowned, and only one body has yet been recovered, , TEKRIBLE SHIPPING DISASTER, Wreck of the s-s- Quetta- l '■'■ Great Loss of Life. i

Brisbane, March 1. - News of a shipping disaster attended with sad Joss of life has reached lioro. The British and India Company's steamer Quetta, on. her homeward voyage, struck a rock which is said is not marked on the chart, near Cookfown, with terrible force, split, ting her completely through. There was fearful confusion among tho passengers, who rushed about the deck wildly in despair and crying for help, The'vessel sank in 3 minutes after striking, and a largo number of those,on board went down w'ilh tho vessel,'; The location of tho disaster is in - itho r vicinity of Mount' Adolphus and the Two Brothers Islands.- ' ' ', ; ' Brisbane, March 2. 1..'I..' Thei'o. is terrible' cxpiteniont hero oyer the wreck or Ijjo steamer Quetta, inasmuch as she was a full ship with over tOO passengers on board, ■includ ing a■■■ large; mimbe)* of'wo|l-kuoiv"n o iti?ens,' w li 9 :, wo--g.oip'g Jionip onj

visit,. .-Her"crew consisted^of about 30 European officers,' and 95 colored men. 