ROSS NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 March 1921, Page 2

ROSS NEWS.

(Our own Correspondent.; lOTA BA SAWMILL BURNT. A disastrous fire occurred early on Sunday morning when the Tolara Sawmill which is situated about 2;j miles from Boss was totally destroyed by lire. It is not known how the tire originated but it appears to have started in the vicinity of the boiler. It was first noticed between -5 and 6 a.in. !>y Mr ,J. Wilson who lives about a mile from the mill. Mr Wilson cycled to tile scene of the fire, but was ton late to save much as the fire then had a strong hold. With the assistance of Mr G. Sutherland he managed to save one costly belt, and an attempt was made to uncouple a second belt, but this had to be abandoned as the (lames gained too vapidly and shortly afterwards the roof collapsed. Possibly the boiler and some ironwork can be made use of again but the rest of the plant- is totally destroyed. It is an unfortunate oceerrenee as it will throw some 15 to 20 men out of employment for some time. Mr H. J. Wiekes, the manager is at present oil a holiday in the North Island. It is understood there is some insurance on tlu> plant but the amount is not ascertainable at present. ( The Hon. J. Griiumond who has been 1 absent ill Christchurch attending the i Education Board meeting, arrived home I on Saturday evening. Mr Grimmond accompanied by Mrs Orimmond leaves again to-morrow en route for Wellington to be present at the opening of Parliament on Thursday next. j t< MAGISTRATE'S COURT. A (Before A. W. Peebles and S. G. Ferguson J.P.’s.) ...” k A sitting of the Court was held on |, t ■Saturday morning when John Langley . with several aliases) was charged with T) the theft of two lmttles of whisky j Tom the Commercial Hotel, and (2) the heft, of a sports coat and a pair of socks rom Mr S. P. Evans-’ Shop. After | tearing evidence the accused was eon- ' -icted and sentenced to one months’ ,| mprisoiiHient with hard labour, in each use. tc