THE GREY.

West Coast Times, Issue 353, 9 November 1866, Page 3

THE GREY.

(FROM THE ARGL'S, NOV. 8.) Greymouth had a very narrow escape from a serious nre yesterday morning, and but for the fact that the wind fortunately blew in the quarter it did, it is extremely likely that a vast amount of property would have been destroyed. At about two o'clock yesterday moruing the alarm was given at tlie police camp, by the night watchman on duty, that a fire had broken out in a smsill hut immediately at the rear of the Dan O'Connell Hotel. The whole force turned out, and on reaching tlie spot it was found that all attempts to extinguish the fire were fruitless, as the place, constructed of old cases and canvas roof, was wrapped in flames, and there was no water close to the s-pot. As we have said, fortunately the wind blew in a dirction which carried the sparks and embers clear of the surrounding buildings, and the police remained until the fire burnt its-elf out. The hut destroyed be.onged to two boatmen, who were absent at the time of the fire breaking out. They state that they had gone over to the National Hotel, aud had left the place secure and no light burning. The origin of thp fire is so far enveloped in mystery. We understand that the cutter Alhambra, which was stranded the other day, ia to be repairtd, and will afterwards proceed to the Haast River with stoi cs. About 30 miners are said to be working there and doing fairly, and their only means of supply is by the cutter, as the nearest store is at Bruce Bay. It was currently rumored in town on Monday and Tuesday that a new rush of some importance had taken place to the New River, a few miles from the present workings, and that a prospecting claim had been applied for. We have made every enquiry, and find that no foundation in fact exists for the rumor referred to. No prospecting claim has bi en applied for, and nothing was known of the alleged rush by the miners at the Saltwater yesterday.