WAIMATE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 819, 27 November 1878, Page 2

WAIMATE.

(FKOM OUT. OWN COBKESI'ONDF.NT.) November '2~. The destruction in timber, such as posts, rails, and firewood, of m Wich there were immense quantities stacked in the "Waimate bush previous to the fire, has been so great as to have the effect of throwing a great number of working men out of employment. It is estimated that the loss to the trade of Waimate is equal to LIOOO per month. Business people, however, are hopeful, and say that tilings will be as good as ever in three months. Hunt and Jeffry's mills are being re-built. In the green bush no great damage has been done, as the the tire in running through it only burned the scrub, leaving the timber intact, and thus opening it Up to the axe. The manuka bush has suffered severely, while the dry bush has been swept clean out. I understand that proceedings are being instituted against Mr. Studholme by certain of the bush owners with a view of recovering damages. An inquest on the fire takes place to-day. Mr. John Manchester is putting up a handsome residence on his farm, near the old Waitaki Road. In spite of the late calamity, the people of Waimate are in good heart, and prove themselves to lie "game to the backbone." Mr. Alpheus Hayes has started his upper mill, and is rapidly rebuilding on the burnt site. Before long bushmen will be working up the rails and firewood left on the ridges, while others will work up the green bush in the high mountain gullies which was untouched by the fire.