EKETAHUNA

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume X, Issue 3115, 29 January 1889, Page 2

EKETAHUNA

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

HVe have had a spell of very hot weather during the last weekj the glass registering as high as 86 degrees in the shade, The men, working in one of the gravel pits were compelled to knock off work at 11 a.m. on Wednesday last, in consequence of the heat, it being so intense, and not the slightest breeze, On Saturday morning rain fell, but it was hardly enough-to lay tbe dust.

Mr McGili seems to he making a fair start with bis contract for road, making through Eketahuna West, • The tenders closed on Saturday last for tbe erection of the bridge across the Makakahi River, but I have not heard the result yet. Our extraordinary clever Amateur Dramatio Company intend commencing operations at Pahiatua, in about a week's time. I cannot find out where they are practising,! I would like to be' present at one of their rehearsals-to get a taste of their quality. Their first performance iB to be called (if I am not misinformed) " Jack of all Trades," I should think tbey ought to be able to play it up to the handle as they I represent all tbe trades in themselves. I must try and be present at their first performance, The great event of ; tbe week has been the*opening. of tba new ohurch on Sunday, 27th fast. The Kev Mr Bowse -preached a very excellent opening sermon in- the; morning assisted byMrH. Jones,, aenr. In the evening Mr Eowso also, conducted service, the dosing prayer being given by MrEayliss. The Church was well filled on both occasions. A collection was' made' morning and .evening to help defray the cost of the building. The Church stands on: rising ground at the junction. of the Alfredtop and Eketahuna roads. The size of the buildingh 20foby 80ft,andiC is tnatcb lined throughout, A tea arid public meeting was; held ; on: Monday, 'and after a very enjoyable evening the meeting coucluded by passinga hearty vote of thanks to all those who had taken part in the proceedings,' "

BUSH FIRES IN THii FORTY

MILE BUSH.

(By Our Special Reporter.) Yesterday (Monday) afternoon a large.bush fifowas startedon a block of fallen, timber belonging to Mr Ole Andersen at.Hastwell, MangamahooOwing to the inflammable nature of the timber, and assisted- by. a stiff nor'-wester, the fire spread - with surprising rapidity through the block and then.oil to adjoining properties The iiopuaranga road bridge near Mr Seymour's, thanks to the united aud untiring efforts of soma half a dozen , settlers, was saved, The fire at'this spot wftß;almost unbearable, I owing tq the continuous fall of burning ashesand dense l olouds of blinding smoke, Mr Seymour's residence on the opposite the bridge was surrounded by firei wd when our ! reporter left at« 6.80 p,m,:tHe > family, were busily engaged battling with

tbo flames to provent its des'truction. > , , , Messrs Januett A' Co's 'sawmill id £a also iu sbWld the wind up, The mill had to cease work the afternoon and all bands put on • a to try and &ave,fche tramway litis, ■ several chains of which lias already , been destroyed, Mr Jaunett does not think there,is any danger at. > prllent with the-mill if,the wind keeps iu the same direction.. The wind bad already taken tbo firo down as far as Mr li. V. Smith s ■ property at Mangamahoe, and until > rain falls it Is ..difficult to toll what mischief will happen as the fire, is -V running almost, in a direct'line'to tbo Mangam&hoo Railway Station. Should it spread as far as the latter place a number of settleis will be , heavy losers, Alieady considerable damage has been dons to the grass crops and several lots of hay burnt. Heavy fires are laging between* ' Eketahuna and Fahiatua, judging* i from the thick clouds of amoke i eau- be seen from the former r - I rolling over the: ; northern - end 01 I Newman.