NELSON CREEK.

Grey River Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5804, 27 January 1887, Page 4

NELSON CREEK.

[from our correspondent.] Bush fires have been raging in this district for some time, but very little notice was taken of them till Monday, when it was found that the fire was making for the staie school. Nothing but the most strenuous efforts could have saved the building. The closets, fence, and firewood caught fire, but a lot of willing hands got the fire under. Great credit is due to Mr B'omley and his pupils for the way they assisted in carrying water. Nothing could be better than the action of the youngsters. Mr. William Penrose's house outside the school, reserve was in great danger for some time. It will show the fierceness rf the fire 't^und this building when I state that men stibding on the roof ■ . •■"\wi."i.;- ' ';,

throwing water, had ;their clothes ignited. At this time it-swasithbught that the township was in^great'danger, as the sparks had ignited&Hpme' dead timber near Mr Hannah^ySeMd'ence. During the week the 'fire:^£a|carried across Nelson Creek and ;Wejaf;sweeplng up Owens Look Out trackV;With every prospect of devouring every.thingvin its course. It was thought at; one .time that the houses of Messrs £&bin/, ; Coll, and Thomas would have to be •abandoned, but I am happy to Bay that s these buildings, through the efforts of a ■lot of willing hands, were saved. All the \ women and children were removed to the township for safety. The miners' huts at Owens Look Out were saved with,the greatest difficulty. The rain on Friday morning was a great boon, as a great many people were fairly worn out for the want of sleep and their great exertions in saying their property. v -. Surely the late fire should be a warning to the good people of Hatters township to knock off cutting each other's throats about their water supply, and make a united efiort to get the best water supply they can. I notice that a public meeting in connection with this matter is called for Saturday night. Mr J. M. Morris, the chairman of the school committee, has also called a special meeting of the school committee to tike steps to remove a flume erected by the townspeople over the state school track. Mr Morris insists on the water being conveyed under the road. The parties interested as stilly insist on keepiog it where it is. As there Is no prospect of Mr Morris giving In, he will very likely have a lively time of it till this matter i 3 settled. Mr Higgins, the County Engineer has had his attention drawn to this flume lately. He rode his horse under it, and I think must come to the conclusion that J. M. Morris and the school children can get under thiß flume without putting themselves to the slightest inconvenience.