[BY SrEOIAL WIRE.J "Wellington, Tuesday. A careful investigation has been made into the circumstances connected with the recent fire at the Port Nicholson Club, which showed that the fire had originated from matches dropped and probably nibbled by rats. At the annual meeting of the Welling ton Racing Club last night the report showed that although the race meeting had been more sstisfaotory than the previous year's, yet it had rtot been a financial success. After the business was con cluded some discussion took place rela tive to reducing the prizes, but it was ultimately decided to allow the matter to stand over. A singular accident occurred this morning. A horse and cart, the pro perty of Mr C. M'Kirdy, was taken into the sea near Evans' Bay to be washed, but getting into deep water the horse and cart were carried away by the tide and were lost. The driver swam ashore. Mr M'Kirdy estimates his loss at JEIOO. A Nelson football team visits here at the end of the week to play a match. The annual meeting of the Wellington Racing Club was held last night, when the report shewed that, though the racing I last year wa3 better than previously, the financial result had not been a success. Mr G. Hunter was elected President. Auckland, Tuesday. A gentleman named Hunter, from Melbourne, has made an offer to the Auckland Steamship Company for the purchase of the s.s. Pretty Jane which will probably be accepted. If the sale is arranged the Pretty Jane will proceed to Melbourne immediately. Three draught fillies arrived by the Hero from Sydney ; also brood mares Sylvia and Onyx, all purchased to the orderof the Auckland Stud Company. Mr S. Morrin returned from Sydney and Melbourne by the s.s. Hero at mid night, and brought over a number of pedigree cattle and horses for the Stud Company, and also a number of cattle for Messrs M'Clean Brothers. The daughter of Mr Jervis, of the Thames, aged 14, had the ends of three fingers blown off while* she was examin ing a dynamite cap which she had picked up. Dunedin, Tuesday. 