OKATO.

(from our own oobrespondent.) BUSH FIRES. January 27. — An alarming bush fire raged here on Sunday and Monday, doing a large • amount of damage. It appears that a settler on the Oxford Road fired his fallen bush on Sunday. A terrific sou'-eastor, or mountain wind, was blowing at the tituo. i The fire quickly assumed an alarming appearance, and caused grave anxiety to neighboring settlors, and, in fact, to everyone in the district. While this fire was still -raging another settler on the Oxford Road started, his fallen bush on Monday, the wind still blowing with fearful violence i from south-east. Mr B. Humphrey, on s the Dover Road, being in a line with tho fhst firo, was the first to feel the effect of the destroying element, and only by strenuous efforts and unerring watchful ness, managed to save the houso. The ' sheds, in which were riding Baddle, tools, ' oaten hay, poultry, &c, were totally destro} r ed. Mr Humphrey also lost all feed on his farm and, it ia expected, fencing likewise. Mr A. Corbett, who lives oppo1 site Mr Humphrey, was the next to battle ' with th© fiery «lemenr, and to all appear- ' ance it seemed a forlorn hope, but by l energy and timely aid his efforts were rewarded, and no buildings were destroyed, although his sections had a clean sweep, and much fcnc'Dg destroyed. Mr W. Corbett, though comparatively safe, had a t narrow escape, through firo from a distant section being blown undor tho houso, but -it was fortunately extinguished before - getting a hold. Mr Sullivan, on tho Oxford L Road, lost most of. his feed,- two stacks of r hay, sheds, &c; and Mr Taft, who adjoinß Mr Sullivan, also had a clean sweep, and lost a lot of fine feed. Manyothors suffered loss more or less, but considering the intonsity of tho fire, with such a wind, it appears surprising that greater damage was not done. Many, or all, who rendered 3 assistance, suffered intensely with the f smoke and heat, several being almost I blind for some time. Many made an , attempt to got to the sceno of danger, but j were driven back by the heat and smoke. [. lam requested by Mr A. Corbett to express c his deep sense of gratitude to those who assisted him. We know that everyone in } such a time of danger and anxiety has' the 3 Baino feeling of thankfulness for timely b aid, and I trust this feeling, though unex- > pressed, wi'l be equally acceptable by l those who made a sacrifice for a follow 3 in S- ______«____