THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16369, 14 November 1918, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

NEWS AND NOTES. ■CULVER3>EN. ' A serious fire broke out in. Mtfckett s garage on Monday, evidently originating in a car belonging to tho local agentfor Messrs Pyne and Co. Mr Mockett left the garage about 10.30 p.m., and everything then appeared to be all right. About 1.30 a.m. one of the employees (G. Baker) returned from a trip to Christchurch, and saw flames shooting through the roof. He immediately rushed in, and getting the hose to work, was successful in confining tlio fire to the car in question, which was completely gutted with the exception' of the radiator, wheels afid tyres. The rafters of the garage were charred, and a car belonging to the New Zealand Loan Company's agent was badly scorched. Great credit is due to Mr Baker for his prompt action, which no doubt saved the garage and its contents from total destruction. Had it gone, thero is no doubt that the Amuri Drill Hall and Messrs Dalgety and Co.'<s premises adjoining would also have been destroyed. • OXFORD. The Oxford Patriotic Committee uieb o.i Monday night, when, in the absence of tho chairman, Mr D. Hawke, on account of sickness, Mr W. Weld presided. A vote of sympathy was passed to the relatives of Privates C. Eley, J. Burrows, J. Murray, and Sergeant GE. 'Weld, all of whom had died of wounds or of sickness. A motion that all returned soldiers and the nearest relatives of those who had died be presented with medals was lost. DARFIELD. The influenza epidemic is raging here, but not to the same extent as in other j parts. All the same there are several I very serious cases in the district, and the* local doctor is having a strenuous time. The final figures have brought tho total proceeds of the Darfield effort at the Christchurch Rod Gross shop up to over £85. This, following so close on the "Our Day" appeal, speaks well for the district's generosity. The two efforts netted a little over £300. RUAPTTNA. On Tuesday morning Mr Charles Sewell, son of Mr and Mrs D. Sewell, while engaged chopping wood, , was struck in the eye by a splinter. Ho was taken to the Ashburton County Hospital, and then to a., private hospital in Christchurch, where an operation was performed. It is feared he will lose the sight of his eye. TEMTJEA. The influenza epidemic is very rife in Temuka. Tho only two doctors in the town and the one chemist nre among the sufferers. The Borough Council is disinfecting the roads, and every possible . precaution is being .taken. All places of amusement have 'been closed.