FIRE AT GUNDARY. On Saturday morning last a fire broke out in a cottage situated in Thomas Street, Gundary, [Moruya] owned by Mrs. Chas. Colefax, and leased by Mr. Hilton Little as a dwelling. The fire, which originated in one of the back rooms made its presence known at about 5.30 o’clock and might have had far reaching consequences had not Mr. Dick Smith (brother-in-law to Mrs. Little) been astir about that hour. Noticing smoke issuing from the rear portion of the building he immediately forced an entrance (for the inmates were asleep) and gave the alarm. But for this prompt action the women and children must have perished. It was with difficulty that they were removed to a place of safety. Mrs. Little, although dazed, carried her mother from the burning building. Mr. Little was in the country at the time and not expected home until Saturday evening. The furniture and personal effects were uninsured, and the loss a serious one to Mr. Little. Mrs. Colefax is also a loser, for the building was only insured for about £100.

Mr. Jack Coppin, of Gundary, has contracted to move about 4 acres of sand from the property of Mr. J. Behringer, of Yarragee – some undertaking.

An electrician at Dorman Long’s Quarry had an exciting experience one day last week. While in the performance of his duties it was found necessary to do a little navigating and unfortunately for the gentleman in question he was caught by a tow-rope and lifted unceremoniously into the briny. His knowledge of “currents” however enabled him to reach the boat in safety.

Horses – without visible means of support – are becoming a menace to pedestrians at night. Our representative, on returning from a meeting in the Shire Hall last Tuesday, damaged his nervous system by coming in contact with such an animal, which had apparently taken to stabling itself for the night across the footpath.

A public meeting was held on Tuesday night to discuss ways and means of assisting Mr. Little and his family in their loss. There was a good attendance and Mr. Flood was voted to Chair.  After Mr. Flood had gone into details regarding the fire and urged the necessity for prompt action, it was decided to canvas the town for subscriptions, and the following were appointed as collectors. – Town, Misses Donna Tessier and Muriel Parbery and Mr. Feneley; Gundary, Mr. Jack Coppin; Quarry, Mr. W. Thomas; Mullenderree, Mrs. James Turnbull; Mantle Hill and Dwyer’s Creek, Mr. C. Chesher; Bergalia, Mr. F. Hutchings; Turlinjah, Mr. J. Berriman. Mr. G. Mitchell was appointed Treasurer.

Extracted from the Moruya Examiner by the Moruya and District Historical Society Inc. If you are interested in history why not join us and become a volunteer at the Museum or our library. Check us out at https://www.mdhs.org.au and https://blog.mdhs.org.au