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Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 153, 27 January 1868, Page 2

Opening- Ball. —It will be seen on reference to our advertising columns, that the opening ball of the new Assemby Rooms will be held this evening, at Tibbey's Westport Hotel. Nabbow Escape pbom Fibe.—On Sunday about fbur o'clock, the inhabitants of Preema,n-street were alarmed by the smell of fire, and almost immediately afterwards flames were seen to issue from Mrs Quartly's Ship Hotel. A number of the neighbors, headed by Mr Melville, proceeded to the spot, and rendered all the assistance in their power, and tho fire was soon put out, but not till the kitchen where the fire originated was consumed. We under-

stand the fire was caused by the calico of the kitctien becoming ignited in consequence of the heat emitted by the chimney. Great Take oe Fish.—The boat " Pride of Erin" belonging to Craddoclc, went out some eight or nine miles on Saturday, with another, and brought in what might almost be termed a " miraculous draught of fishes" consisting' of a dozen or two of enormous " groper" or " habuka" one of which weighed eightynine pounds, and another not much less; a very fine ling, four or five feet in length, some large ray or skate and a number of good-sized rock-cod. The whole were speedily disposed of, at a good profit to the fortunate piscators. Seals ox Steeples.—Avery unusual and curious freight was brought in by a boat which had been out as far as the steeples, on Saturday—no other than four young specimens of the common brown Seal, or Phoca, (Lutra vult/a?'is) of which one was dead, but the three others were alive and vigorous, and are being exhibited in a tank of water in a house on the Esplanade. The'r cries for " papa and mamma" were singularly plaintive and almost human, and their whole aspect very intelligent. The finding of these animals on a place so near the haunts of man is a note-worthy fact in natural history.