BUSH FIRE NEAR-BALCLUTHA.

■■-„.;.'>/ 'TDUNEbiNj. Bth January. .An''extensive.bush fire swept over the foreshore at Kaka Point, near Balclutha, to-day; and'-Was accompanied by a heavy nor'-westerly' gale, which carried the '■blaze' in .dangerously close to many of the houses at present occupied by seasiders. Fortunately, however, the wind changed, and,, though" the fire is still burning, the latest reports are more reassuring. Considerable difficulty was experienced in coping with the flames on account of the dense, suffocating smoke. '. ■ .

' DUNEDIN, This Day.. A big grass fire at Waverley, on the Portobello road, seriously menaced the Catholic orphanage and other residences. Many acres were burned off. A section of the city brigade proceeded to t,he spot, which is outside the fire area, and'is assisting the settlers and children to stay ,tlie progress of the fiames. <