An enquiry was held yesterday into the circumstances of the fire at the house of Michael Boss, a laborer, at South Dunedin, The evidence was to the effect that the house was insured for £75, and the furni ture for £25. When the police wished to examine the stable attached, Boss objected. A number of articles were found in a stall in the stable. Bess admitted that he was pressed for money at the time of the fire, but his debts did not exceed £lo' The things in the stable had been placed by his wife, who was absent at the time of the fire. The verdict was that there was no evidence to show bow the fire originated. A commercial traveller named Martin, lately employed by Mr Dawson, iton # monger, Auckland, was found drowned i n the Eorari stream. On his lodgings being searched a piece of paper was found con taining directions as to where the body would be found. Undoubtedly the case Is suicide. Deceased leaves a widow with five children. His life was insured for £SOO. The heavy rain on Tuesday night has not stopped the spread of bush fires in the Auckland district. Bangitoto Island in the harbour continues blazing and smoking like a volcano. At Helensville a fire in Slater’s Bush destroyed over 100 acres of scrub besides feuoing, several whares, a cook house, and a large dam. The Aralapu saw mill and dwelling.housa had a narrow escape from being consumed by a bush fire, said to have been started by gum diggers. The directors of Geological Surveys, the Surveyor-General, the Chief Inspector of Machinery, the Inspecting Engineer of the Mines Department, and an Inspector of Mines, have been appointed a Board of Examiners in accordance with regulations made under section 275 of " The Mining Act, 1886," and section 58 of 11 The Goal Mines Act, 1886.”

During the Christmas season some tradesmen develop an nnwonted generosity and fling presents about,with an apparently lavish hand, bnt those who are in want of anything and everything at a reasonably low rate will receive the best possible valne for their money at J. 8. Bennett’s Furnish ine and Fancy Goods Warehouse.—[Advt]. Wells’ Hair Balsam.—lf gray, restores to original color. An elegant dressing,softens and beautifies. No oil nor grease. A Tonic Restorative. Stops hair coming out; strengthens, cleanses, heals scalp. 