Southbridge

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume LXII, Issue 14, 21 February 1941, Page 4

Southbridge

FIRE IN HARVEST FIELD

During threshing operations on the farm of Mr R. F. Pilkington, "Homebrook," Southbridge, on Wednesday evening, fire broke out in the straw. It was first noticed near the top of the elevator and, fanned by a brisk easterly wind, the flames enveloped the stack iin a few seconds and soon started to spread through the stubble. Quick action saved the mill, the tractor used for driving it and also the threshed grain in bags, but the straw in two dumps was destroyed. Fortunately, very little grain was lost. The Southbridge Fire Brigade turned out and with many men from nearby properties and the township did very effective work in checking the spread of the flames. Employees of the Ellesmere Transport Company also gave valuable help in saving the threshed grain. A creek running through the property provided a good fire break on one side and but for this it would have been a very difficult job to get the outbreak under control. Smouldering cavings gave Mr Pilkington cause for anxiety throughout the night. RED CROSS MEETING To discuss arrangements for the cooking week for soldiers, a meet-

ing of the Southbridge Red Cross Sub-centre is to be held next Thursday evening. PERSONAL After a short stay at the Convalescent Home, following an operation in Christchurch Hospital, Mr S. W. Worner has returned to his home at Southbridge. Rev. and Mrs G. L. Harold, the vicarage, have returned from a visit to the West Coast. Mrs J. Ballagh, "Crossgates," is the guest of Mrs J. W. Comyns, Mount Somers. Mr W. P. Eggelton, of the local Railway staff, has left on transfer to a position on the West Coast.