During the sand storm last Thursday fire was carried from the butt of an old burnt up straw stack on Geo. Austin's place in Vailey township, to Jas. Bird's sheds and granary about three fourths of a mile north, with deplorable results. Mr. Bird lost 600 bushels of wheat, 150 bushels of oats, wagons, implements, stable, sheds and granary. The total loss is estimated between $700 and $1000.It is a matter of speculation how the fire was carried that distance. In the first place Mr. Austin did not know that the old stack was on fire, but when the wind raised the smoldering embers were fanned into a brisk fire, and sparks from the fire crept over an almost bare stubble field to Mr. Bird's premises. It is almost marvelous how easily and what a long distance sparks of fire are frequently carried in these wind storms.
The matter was amicably adjusted between Messrs. Austin and Bird by means of arbitrators consisting of J. A. Murray, N. B. Marshall and Jas. Doran, all friends and neighbors of both parties. Under the decision of the arbitrators Mr. Austin gave Mr. Bird 500 bushels of wheat, $250 cash and a few other incidentals.
We regret to hear of this misfortune. Both men are citizens of sterling worth and integrity. The fire works a great hardship on them.
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