Ashurst Notes

Feilding Star, Volume XIV, Issue 102, 16 February 1893, Page 2

Ashurst Notes

[from oub own cobrkstondknt.] The high wind on Tuesday brought lighted brands from some of the bush fires on Watershed or Spur roads, and set lire to Messrs Gardiner's four corn stacks. Wheat carrying was the order of the day, and a wagon load was dviiwn up to the stack just about dinner time. While at lunch the fire started, and it is apparent the brand alighted on the w.igon, for on the men rushing out the loud was in flames. The firm, assisted by every one near, devoted most of their time to the stable, and although it did once take fire they managed to save the building. The loss is fully £100. The wind was too strong for burning bush, as it seemed to blow straight through. Rain fell soon after, and spoilt what might have been a fair burn in places. This is a very bad burning season. The only good burn I have heard of is Mr Tasman's, Todd's road, which is very clean. He and his family filled the bush themselyes, cut theunderscnib thoroughly, and threw everything off the .stump— the only way to get a good burn in a bad season. Bushfelling is so underpaid that men cannot do the work properly. The employer then loses a gr«:it deal more than a few paltry shillings saved in the first instance. I am told that a great many of the shopkeepers' b;d debts can be traced to underpaid bush Celling. The first block of the Victoria Butter Factory was laid to-day. Xo doubt there will soon be others, as the trade develops and the country opens. Messrs Wilson and Chester are to start one in Aphurst soon, but have been too niuuh engaged in the starting of the Foi'iy Mile Bush factories to attend to this side of the rauge. The plant is all ready. Harvest thanksgiving services on Sunday were well attended on .ill three occasions. The offertories also were very good. The church was prettily decorated, the congregation having entered heartily into this annual duty, and seemed impressed with the religiousness of it. Mrs J. Whibley and Mrs Kitchen are about to start a private school between them, which will supply a long felt want. A cricket match was pluyud on Saturday between- Ashurst and Dunnythorpe. The visitors won by 21 runs, Ashurst scoring 106.