SHORT LOCAL NEWS ARTICLES.

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   An explosion, attended with loss of life, occurred  at Hanley on Monday
morning. A hairdresser's family named COOKE retired to rest  as usual on Sunday
night, and about half past two next morning the neighbourhood  was startled
by a loud report, followed by heartrending screams.

   It was discovered that a quantity of  fireworks  stored in the house had
exploded and set it on fire. Immediate  efforts were made to rescue the
unfortunate family, but before this was  accomplished they were all more or less
injured, and two daughters succumbed  immediately after their removal from the
burning building.

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   A meeting of the Lord's Committee on the Irish Land  Act was held on
Tuesday, Earl CAIRNS presiding. The proceedings were private.  The only witness
examined was Mr. GODLEY, secretary to the Irish Land  Commission, and his
evidence, it is stated, was solely of a formal nature.

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   Colonel MILES, the Conservative candidate, was  returned to Malmesbury on
Tuesday, to supply the vacancy caused by the death of  Mr. POWELL, the voting
being Mr. MILES, 491; Mr. LUCE, 435 - majority, 56. At  the general election
Mr. POWELL polled 292 votes more than his Liberal opponent,  Mr. KITCHING.

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   The Board of Arbitration for the North of England  Iron Trade has decided
to request Mr. J. W. PEASE, M. P., to arbitrate on the  workmen's claims for
an advanced in wages of 7 1/2 per cent., in the stead  of Sir Rupert KETTLE,
who declined the office.

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   The inquest on the five men who were killed by a  colliery explosion at
Blaina (Mon.), concluded on Tuesday. It appeared that the  firemen allowed four
men, in contravention of the rules, to accompany him with  naked lights, for
the purpose of examining  the workings. An explosion  resulted, and all lost
their lives.

   The jury returned a verdict of "accidental death,"  adding that they
considered the firemen blameworthy.