ROSS NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 September 1917, Page 1

ROSS NEWS.

(Our Own Correspondent.)

TWO FIRES. The lirebel 1 was rune twice yesterday. In the afternoon at o o’clock, Mrs Roche, coining down the hill near the Post Office, saw Paddy O'llaw’s house on fire and gave the alarm. Two near neighbours, Messrs TUack and .Murdoch, got buckets of water and practically put the fire out. The l'iro Brigade were soon on the spot with their appliances, Imt did riot put the water on, as the lire was got under without it. The old man was inside his place, and did not know his house was oil lire ,until the hell rang. Tim fire had caught on the outside near the eliuniiey and ran up between tbe lining and. weather boards outside The back of tbe building was burned, otherwise not a great deal of damage was done.

At 11 o'clock both tire hells were rung, the cause being; a fire in the tool shod of the permanent hands. The Brigade turned out and went to the station in a drag! When, they united the shed was practically demolished. The fire was purely accidental, and cannot’ he accounted for, bovoml the fact that there was a fire used m the building during the day. Ibeic was no insurances on •cither buildings.

A VETERA X’S DEATH. Another of the hardy band of pioneers crossed the Divide last night m the person of Air. .Tames Bird. TTe was a bright bappy-natuved old man, and always bad a pleasant word and genial smile for one and all. He "ill be missed by many of bis" old cronies at the hospital. Tlhe interment took place at 11.30 this morning. “Jimmie” was well and favourably known at the South Spit, where he followed the occupation of a miner for many years.