WAVERLEY.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XX, Issue 3402, 20 June 1877, Page 2

W AVER LEY.

(From our own Correspondent.) As I informed you by telegram on the 18th, the new building in course of erection by C\lr Wullett has been destroyed by tire. The ahwm was given about 3 o'clock on that morning, but owing to the noise made by the wind, which was blowing a gale from the north- west, many who live quite close to the sceue of the conflagration were not disturbed. The fire wheu fii'dt discovered had obtained possession of the building, aud all efforts to subdue the flumes would have been futile, even had those present any means of making- the attempt. Mr. Cahl well's house, which is just opposite, was ut times in considerable danger from the cloud of sparks which, driven by the furious gale, would at times fiivelon it. [(. is extremely doubtful if it could have been saved had the shingles beea dry instead of, as thej' were, saturated vith the copious showers of rain which had fallen during the night. The building which was destroyed was unoccupied and the owner was in Wanganui. Mow the. lire originated is a mystery, and one which will not bs solved without some diltiuulty, for although not completed inside the building was thoroughly closed in, and was, as f am imformed, insured. Probably the loss to the owner will not be a serious one. During the lion W. Fox' stay here he was interviewed, by some of the townspeople, for the purpose of obtaining information concerning the reserves, and on other matters of local interest. A meeting was held to consider the question of forming a. Local Board, aud afte: some discussion a resolution was carried to the ed'ecb that a Local Board should be forme 1. The meeting then proceeded to define the boundaries of the proposed township, after which the chairman was requested to draw up a petition and obtain signatures, and to forward the same with a plan of the proposed township, to the Colonial Secretary, as speedily as possible. A vote of thanks to the chair terminate;! the proceedings. The flour mill is now an accomplished | fact, and commenced work on Friday ! i lasr, much to the satisfaction of the ' i proprietor, Mr W. Hone. I have not I

yefc seen a sample of the flour, but hear that the machinery is working well in every department. It is to be regretted that the mill was not sooner in working order, as moit of the wheat has been sold out of the distinct. Next year, however, there will be no lack of grist, as niauy of our farmers are ploughing up large areas for wheat, and we may reasonably hope to produce as much as will be required for home consumption at least. A. dinner at the Welcome Stranger Hotel, arid given by the proprietress on Saturday last, on the opening of the billiard room, passed off very pleasantly. A large number, of guests put in an appearance, and did full justice to the good things which had been prepared for them. The usual toasts were proposed and responded, to, that of the proprietiess being received in the heartiest manner. Ihe ( Ladies,' by Mr Uobham, received full justice. Several gentlemen favoured the company with same good songs during the evening, and tlie gents dispersed shortly after eleven, having thoroughly enjoyed themselves. A. subscription list has been started to assist Mr B. 'Cornwall and family, who lately lost everything by fire. I hear that the appeal is being liberally responded to.