Birmingham Notes

Feilding Star, Volume XIII, Issue 109, 12 March 1892, Page 3

Birmingham Notes

% • ~ - [from our own correspondent,. 1 On Saturday last Mr Murphy's bush caught fire and the residents of the township had quite a lively time of it, as the wind was blowing right on to the houses. For some time it was thought that our local butchery would not escape the ravages of the flames. The fire spread so rapidly and sparks flying in all directions, combined with a dense smoke, made things rather warm until fortunately the wind dropped and the services of cumbers of willing hands were not required. There are quite a large number of visitors to the Oroua Coal Creek block of land, which is to be sold this month. They all speak in high terms of the quality of the soil and seem to be pleased with it in every way. The road into the Feil&ng Block is completely stopped by some rata trees, which have been burned down, falling across the road, one of them nearly killing a man named Jeffrey. The tree in falling smashed the rim of Jeffrey's hat, but fortunately he escaped without injury. If rain does not come soon there will be quite a water famine all round Fowler's. I heard of one family having to gather tip the dew to fill up the kettle, so water must be scarce ! Mr Allen, the Feilding manager of the Bank of New Zealand, informs me that the bank is permanently stationed at Fowler's. Let us hope that the settlers will encourage the institution in every way. . - :