LUMSDEN.

Otago Witness, Issue 3334, 6 February 1918, Page 23

LUMSDEN.

February 4. —A most disastrous fire occurred here last Sunday, resulting in the total destruction of the main, business block, comprising, the pose office, Marshall (butcher), Mac&od (tobacconist and billiard room), Griffiths (draper), and Clrsby's stables. The fire, which started at dinner time, was caused by the sun's r.'-TK focussing through glass and setting fire to the dry grass at the side of a, pigstye, and as a strong wind was blowing directly on to the other buildings they were quickly alight and past hope of being saved from destruction. The buildings, which were owned by Mrs Macpherson, were insured for £BOO, and were valued at about £ISOO. Marshall had £GS on his stock, which was all saved. Macleod had £IOO on his, and estimates his loss at £l5O over that. Griffiths had £SOO on stock and fittings, and his stock was valued at £I9OO. The absence of a water supply or any fire-fighting appliances was a great hindrance to the willing workers, who did what they could, and were successful in saving several other buildings, and it is to be hoped that 1110 members of the Town Board will take into consideration the matter of obtaining a chemical engine to protect the ratepayers' property in the event of a conflagration in the future. Accident. —The narrow cutting leading in to the Mararon. biidge was nearly the Bcene of a bad accident last week, and although representations have been repeatedly made to the eouncil to have this death-trap made safe to people using the road, it looks like as if a fatal accident will have to occur before any improvement will be made, A car, in which a gentleman and two ladies were travelling, was caught by the Public Works ballast train, and but for prompt action on the driver's part would have been smashed up. As it. was the car was turned into the ditch,.. and suffered no damage beyond a slight dent in the mudguard. Mossburn Line.—The ballast gang are making rapid,. progress with the work of filling up the viaduct on tho branch line to Mossburn. Theft.—There was a lot of sneak thieving observed during last Sunday's fire, and several names have boon mentioned to the police, who no doubt will take the necessary steps to convince the despicable individuals

that they mus-t not expect to profit by other folk's misfortune. Post Office. —The post office has been temporarily removed to tho Public Hall ; but it is tho intention of tho department to immediately proceed with the erection of a modern two-story building, with postmaster's residence, in brick; and as Mrs Macpherson is also rebuilding in brick, a handsome block of buildings will be assured.