OPOTIKI

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume IV, Issue 382, 26 February 1876, Page 3

OPOTIKI

(fboj/c oub own cobbespondent ) February 20. Vabiotts incidents of more or less importance have occurred here during the "week, which, although not likely to seriously affect the interests of the colony at large, possess, nevertheless, considerable local interest. First, then, in importance is the Gpotiki Literary and Debating Society, which has suddenly leaped into vigorous life with a goodly array of local genius and native intellect, from which we anticipate many an intellectual feast during the winter months, when it is proposed to give lectures and readings in the Town Hall. Of accidents we have several. On Monday a little girl, daughter of Mr Wilmott, shipwright, was severely hurt while incautiously climbing up some timber, which fell with and partly upon her. No bones are, however broken, and the little sufferer is doing well. On Wednesday our worthy and wellesteemed host of the Eoyal, Mr James Busst, fell from top to bottom of a long flight of stairs, inflicting a serious wound upon the head, besides numerous bruises. On Friday night, at about 10 o'clock, the house of Mr John Thompson was discovered to be in flames, which increased so rapidly that the house was burnt to the ground before any material assistance could be rendered. Mr Thompson had only succeeded in saving one box and some blankets, and had rushed in again to endeavour to save other property, when the roof fell in upon him, bringing him to the ground among the burning mass, from whence he was with great difficulty extricated severely burnt. The fire originated from the side of the fireplace, where it must have caught and smouldered during the day. When the occupants (Mr Thompson and his son) awoke, the ' whole of that portion of the place was in flames. The settlers have come forward with their usual kindly sympathy and fellow feeling, and made up a handsome purse of money, which was sent privately to Mr Thompson yesterday, and which, although insufficient to cover his heavy loss, will, ' nevertheless, relieve him from his present difficulties. Arrived: Erne Meikle, schooner, Doughty, with 3 passengers, and 400 sheep.