Alston Herald, and East Cumberland Advertiser. — 1879-03-08 (Alston, Cumbria, England)

ALARMING FIRE NEAR RIDING MILL.  On Tuesday last, the inhabitants of Hexhani were informed by the ringing of the "fire bell" that a fire was raging at a farm near Riding Mill. The fire engine was got ready by the members of the fire brigade, and by means of post horses was conveyed to the scene of action, but happily its use was not requisite, as the flames in the meantime had happily been subdued. The .fire took place at High Shilford, a farm about a mile south of Riding Mill Railway Station, the property of W. B. lavautnont, Esq., M.P., and occupied by .Mr L. F. Parker. The fire hal been discovered about. half-past eight o'clock ai the morning, and at first sight it appeared as if the are had only a trivial hold and could easily be put out,. However, it was soon foUnd that the flames had a goos hold, having eaten into the interior of the heather-than:hod ”oof of an old barn— where it origim.ted—situated at the 'eastern extremity of the farm buildings, and joined at the aorth end by a range of wit buildings, consisting of a coverea fold, stables, and cowbyre, and at the south end by another range of buildings, which includes the dwelling house and hinds' cottages. The barn is a building about fourteen or fifteen yards long, by some seven or eight feet wide, the walls being coinposed of stone. The wind was blowing a perfect gale from the south west at the time, which fanned the flame, and threatened to materially aid in spreading the the to the other parts of the farm premises, so a telegram was immediately dispatched to liexham for the services of the fire brigade. In the meantime, all that possibly could be done with the help that was at hand, was carried out. Buckets and cans of all descripfl e, were secured, and a copious supply of water being near at hand, it was dashed on the north end of the building by means of the buckets. The roof soon fell in, sad the walls, whit% stood firm, seemed to have in some measure prevented the flames spreading US the fire was confined to the barn alone, with the fold and straw house being slightly damaged, a most remarkable thing taking into consideration the 1 high wind which was blowing. As it was a four-hems 1 thrashing machine which was standing in the building was completely wrecked, and all the wood work of the building, with the roof, destroyed. Five quarters of grain standing iii the barn shared the same fate. The stackyard, fortunately, did not suffer in the least, as it is located a few yards further west from the barn. On the alarm being given, the household furniture was caniad from the dwellings, and four young horses fastened in the covered fold were promptly driven into the field. The fire brigade, with their engine and necessary paraphernalia, reached the place about a quarter to eleven o'click, but their services were not required, for at that time the fire was almost extinguished. The origin of the fire is not exactly known, although it was comma:ally reported that a spark from the chimney of a portable steam thrasher, which was working .1 m.ichine, had lodged on the roof, which being of indmorn thle material soon took fire. A proper eKiinee',.. of the damage done had not been made when we i,ited the place, but we were given to understand that the loss to both owner and occupier was covered by The building was a very old one :mud did notappaar to have much wood work about it, as the walls were very little injured and di not have the black and elncard look, which is visible when a building has contain,' much inflammable material, although ii good authority informed us that in re-building the place the walls would have to be renewed as. they w me 1,30 oil.  The Courwil of th.• Royal Agricultural Society decid,d, on Welnesirty, to hold nest year's show at  The dairymon of Peurith have reduced the price of milk from Id to 33 per quart.  A ruedieal pnictitioner at Millorn, named James Spencer Spark, aged 2J, committed suicide, by poisoning, on Friday, while in an unsound state of mind.  Penrith March Fair was held oil Saturday last. Yearling bullocks Iliad(' £7 to £7 10s, and older animals up to Cl 7: The fair was slow and unsatisfactory. Her Majesty has boon pleased to approve the appointment of the Reverend James Sharp, Madras Railway Chaplain, to be a Junior Chaplain on the Madras Faciesiasl Establishment.--From "The Madras Mail," is:. 2.l.—Mr Sharp is the son-in-law of Mr Nato, ii Brunswick Square, l'enrith. Mr Sharp was carat, at Alston before going to India.  SPLENDID RUN Vs'