SYDNEY.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 568, 11 January 1851, Page 2

SYDNEY.

The Alpaca.—A meeting of the gentlemen interested in the importation of the Alpaca, from South America, was held on Saturday, at the office ol Mr. Grahame, the honorary secretary, when an offer which had been made to the committee by the commander of a vessel, about to proceed to that quarter, was discussed : owing to certain practical difficulties, the gentlemen present at this meeting were compelled to reject this offer, and it was determined to advertise for a vessel to import these animals. The sum to which it bad been originally determined to limit the adventure has been nearly subscribed, but it is conceived that as the investment is a very safe and profitable one, it would be scarcely advisable to retain this limit. Further subscriptions will, therefore, be received. We hope very shortly to hear that the whole arrangements on this very important experiment are completed.— Herald, Dec. 2. The Bishops.—The Bishop of Tasmania sailed for Hobart Town on Saturday in the brig Emma, which was towed to sea by the steamer Rose, on board of which about eighty ladies and gentlemen accompanied his Lordship to the Heads. An address from the parishioners of St. James’s, where he principally officiated during bis stay in Sydney, was presented to him prior to his departure. Au address, with a purse of forty sovereigns, was presented to the Bishop of New Zealand, by the parishioners of St. Andrew’s (where he generally preached while here), a few days before he sailed. His Lordship handed the money to the treasurers of the Board of Missions.— Ibid. Bush Fires.—With the hot drying winds and scorching days of the summer season, which has now fairly commenced, we may expect a frequency of bush fires. In fact they have already commenced; and that in the scene of their last year’s ravages—the North shore. A very considerable fire was burning yesterday afternoon, at about, a mile and a half from the ferry at Blue’s Point. Under the influence of the strong breezes of yesterday the flame extended its course rapidly, bearing, as might be expected, towards the waters of Port Jackson and the upper branches of Middle Harbour. The underwood which was destroyed by the fires of last year has been replaced by a thicker and fresher growth, and this being very dry facilitates the progress of the fire. The fire was pursuing a direction in which there are few or no houses ; but there is much reason to fear that, from the causes before alluded to, the sphere of its destructive influences may be extended, while the slightest change of wind may carry it in a direction where it may produce incalculable injury. All those who have a low and inflammable scrub in the vicinity of their habitations should lose no time in preparing for the fearful visitation of a bush fire. A little exertion at the present time may perhaps save them from utter ruin a month hence. A space should be cieaied all round the fencing, or at all events there should be such a clearing in the vicinity of the buildings. The width of the cleared space must depend upon the height of the surrounding scrub. But there are few living in the bush who are not well acquainted with the precautionary means which are most effectual in such cases. Our object, therefore, is not so much to give instruction as to urge the necessity of taking these precautions without delay. Settlers are but too negligent in this way. In the first place, they hope that fire will not visit them at all, and, secondly, they trust in their ability, if it should so visit them, to save their property by immediate exertion, such as thrashing the burning grass with green boughs and the like.— Herald, Nov. 28.