PORT PHILLIP.

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

PORT PHILLIP.

Destructive Fire. —About—s-qaarter past one this morning the inhabitants were aroused by loud cries of “fire.” The alarm proved to be but too well founded, a fire having broken out on the premises of the Messrs Langlands, at the corner of Flinders-street. It rapidly communicated with a wooden store belonging to Capt. Cole, and the premises of a sailmaker named Graves. The fire burnt with great fury, and had almost expended its strength before the arrival of the fire engine* at a quarter io two. A tolerably good supply of water, from carts and the pumps of the establishment, gave full effect to the efforts of tue engines, and the fire was soon got under* but not until the entire destruction of the blflr dings upon which it had seized. A fl number of the inhabitants were in attendance* who lent a willing hand in saving property) and in endeavouring to resist the progress of the ilanu'S. It was exceedingly fortunate that

the wind blew steadily from the north, as if | a change had taken place, the safety of the - entire block would have been seriously jeopardised. — Argus, Nov. 21. Wool.—ln consequence of the late dry season, and the clouds of dust that have been caused by the hot winds, the sufferings of some of the woolgrowers have been very considerable, and much badly washed wool has made its appearance already, and it is to be feared to the serious injury of the settlers. It was almost impossible to avoid this, having none but mud holes, and creeks scarcely better, to wash in. Some parcels from far up the country, in grease, were considered at least onehalf dust or dirt, consequently those who have an opportunity, and have availed themselves of it, will be amply remunerated for their exertions in the well washing of wool.— lbid. Wheat. —As was anticipated, wheat seems to have become scarce and much sought after; indeed there is no quantity of this or other grain in the colony, and unless a supply be furnished us from our neighbours it is to be feared that prices of almost every description of grain will undergo a considerable rise ere the arrival of harvest.— lbid. Lieutenant Pate. —Lieutenant Pate, under sentence of transportation for seven years, for the assault on her Majesty, has arrived at Hobart Town in the William Jardine. We hear be has shown no.> symptoms of insanity upon the passage. — Melbourne Daily News. Large Wool Producers.—l have it upon authority that the Messrs. Chirnsine will this year produce from their various stations 800 bales of wool.— Wannon correspondent of the Argus. Coup de Soleil. —The inquest on the body of Margaret Kelly, the wife of Kelly a waterman, residing at Collingwood, was held yesterday. From the evidence it appeared i that the deceased had complained during the I hot weather of headache, and on Wednesday i she was exposed for some time in the open i air without her bonnet. She complained again i of headache and went to bed ; in about half an t hour she became senseless, never recovered t her reason, and expired about two o’clock in tllP PVOnl Ft (T r W ilVio u. oer*nll arl » rrxa t _ | tend her, and gave it as his opinion that death ’ was occasioned by a stroke of the sun. The | jury returned a verdict to that effect.— Argus.