FIRE AT RICHMOND.

Colonist, Volume IV, Issue 374, 24 May 1861, Page 2

FIRE AT RICHMOND.

On Wednesday night last intelligence reached town that a large wheatstack belonging to Mr. A. Saunders, M.P.C., and situated near his residence at Richmond, was on fire. The members of the Nelson Fire Brigade, with an alacrity that cannot be too highly commended, at once collected together, and having procured horses proceeded with the city engine at full speed to the scene of the disaster which presented a sad picture of destruction, the flames having advanced so far that with the very inadequate means at hand the large number of willing helpers were insufficient to remove the grave cause for alarm that existed for the safety of a large hay stack contiguous to the burning mass; indeed most persevering endeavours must have been made to have kept the flames off for so long a time before the arrival of the engine. For some hours the brigade worked with persevering determination, most strenuously assisted by the men of the neighbourhood, and their exertions happily confined the destruction to the wheat, and the flames were subdued without damage accruing to the property in close proximity. The loss however is a serious one, as we hear that the stack contained about 900 bushels,, and being the second time within a short period that Mr. Saunders has suffered severely through the destruction of wheat stacks by fire, it is aft occurrence to be much deplored. Were bo many did their utmott to assist, it would be a difficult task to give the names of all and; invidious to select a few t but while remarking with pleasure upon the anxiety that was shown by persons of the district to give all the neighbourly assistance in their power, we cannot allow the praiseworthy readiness displayed by our townsmen to render help where so much needed, to pass without remark and appreciation, hAlrling- ?<■ «p ~» »■.■«■ tl.y-of-xmitea.tion sb.OO'^l. there be unfortunately a future need for if The origin of the fire has not transpired.

The Wesleyan Anniversary.—The anniversary sermons will be preached at the Wesleyan Chapel, Hardy-street, on Sunday next. On Tuesday, a tea meeting will take place in the chapej at half-past five o'clock, after which several addresses will be given. Sacred musk: will tfso be performed during the evening under the direction of Mr. Walcot. r

Queen's Birth Day.—Should the weather permit, the members of the Volunteer Corps will attend at the parade ground in accordance with an advertised invitation, for the purpose of firing the feu de joie in commemoration of the day. The occasion wtll also afford an opportunity for practice amongst ihe combined corps, and will ssrre to indicate the amount of general proficiency acquired during the past term.

Volunteer Anecdote.—Lord Herbert of L^a told the following anecdote at a meeting of the National Rifle Association. A gentleman went to the "East, and was introduced to Ali Pasha. Being in the uniform of a Fencible Regiment he was asked by the Pasha in what battles he had taken part; to which he answered in the purest Greek Ejpiton uimbledon Kommon. The Pesha not being very well up in European history gravely bowed, and remained under the evident impression that the other had been engaged in one of the bloodiest battles of modern times.