Local news: Mr. Clifton N. Woodley, recently appointed postmaster for Shawville, entered upon his duties on Tuesday. Mr. Cliff Hobbs has taken over the meat shop and will continue the business at the old stand.

Just before the rainfall which set in Saturday evening, the rumbling of thunder was heard by many of our townsfolk. This used to be counted on as an indication of cold weather to come, and in this instance did not explode that theory.

Last Thursday was the first real spring day of the month, and as there was still lots of snow to succumb to the warm rays of Old Sol, rivulets were streaming in all directions by noon. A washout on the railway track near the station, occurred shortly before the afternoon train came in from the West, but it was checked in time to prevent any damage.

Damage estimated at $9,000 was caused when the large barn of Mr. John H. Findlay was completely destroyed by fire on Friday evening, April 16.

The blaze was first noticed about 6:15 and had at that time gained considerable headway. The cause is unknown. At first the idea was advanced that spontaneous combustion had started the blaze, but it is held that the hay which had been stored in the barn would not ignite from this cause at this time of year. Over one hundred tons of hay were in the building and this with a quantity of oats is a total loss as are a number of smaller outbuildings and the silo, all of which were close to the barn.

Miss Ester Ryan, B. A., a former Principal of Shawville Academy, and who for several years has been engaged in Missionary work in Japan, is in town this week the guest of Mrs. Alf Draper, and gave a short address on her work in the Flowery Kingdom at the Sunday evening service in the United Church.