CLYDE

Otago Witness, Issue 2501, 19 February 1902, Page 31

CLYDE

Februaiy 15.— Owing to the unusually high level maintained by^ the Molyneux foi some months past, theie has been a dearth of work in th- lignite pits, whence fuel for the dredges 11 the Clyde-Cr.onnvell ■Gorge is taken, consequently several men have been thrown out of remunerate c employment, both on the dredges :ind 111 the coal mines. A week or two may elapse before the riv«r falls to a level that will permit of a resumption of operations all round, when, no doubt, the usual activity in labour will prevail again, with every prospec of uninterruptedness for some time to come. Fire.— The destruction by fire of the Commercial Hotel was a regrettable incident, and one that could have been easily prevented had the town been possessed of an adequate water supply under pressure. The fire originated 111 stables at the iear of the hotel, and, despite every effort to -prevent then spreading, the flames eventually reached the roof of the hotel, whereupon it was impossible to direct a flow ot water by means of buckets. Slowly but surely the fire laid hold of the roof, and it became appaler.t that the building was doomed. Attention was then directed to the salvage of the furniture and btojk, much of which was saved. The building was insured for £2000 111 the New Zealand, and the furniture and stock for £750. Rifle-'-rooting.— The local Rifle Club ho.d a snooting co.itest to-day, between sides choseu by the car-tarn nud ' secretary. The rnc-m-Ijeis show a decided proficiency in drill, the rpsult. no doubt, of regular attendance and careful instruction. Illness —I regret to learn that Dr Hyde has been sljghtl> indisposed for some little time past. The doctoi is, however, making speedy ] 1 ogress towards entire recovery-, and is now, I am told, ab'.e to be up and about his duties.

Watci Supply.— A survey of the sites for dams, etc., in connection with the proposed water supply for the town has been made by Mr (Jeorge, engineer to the Vincent County Council. The woiks will be started in the near future.