Local news: Quite a pleasant time was spent at the house of Mr. J.J. Hodgins Wednesday last, when the Templars gathered together to spend their last evening with Miss J. Currie. The evening was whiled away in games of all kinds, while supper was served by the young ladies, after which a very appropriate address was read by Mr. T. Corrigan.

Mr. Jas. L. Shaw sustained the loss of a mare Monday morning through a run-away accident which in itself was not of a very serious nature. The team of which the mare was one, were hitched to a wagon and were standing at the granary door in Mr. Shaw’s yard at the old homestead, when the animals suddenly made a break for the road. The mare fell and sustained a broken leg. A messenger was at once dispatched for Mr. Shaw, who on arrival decided to have the animal shot, which was done accordingly.

Wednesday last was marked by a succession of thunderstorms such as have not been experienced hitherto this season. The most terrific and destructive of the lot occurred in the afternoon when a portion of Clarendon township, north and northeast of the village, became the theatre of action of the warring elements for a brief space of time, but long enough to wreck considerable property which lay in its course.

From what we can learn, the storm or rather cyclone first came in contact with the earth in the vicinity of Mr. Henry Kelly’s on he 8th range and sweeping on in a northeasterly direction, every moment gaining in fury, until it encountered the buildings of Mr. Thos. Elliott, Mr. Andrew Hanna’s and others in that neighbourhood.

Dave Campbell of Arnprior took shelter in Mr. Havlin’s barn. Shortly afterwards Mr. Havlin and his son also entered the barn and a moment later the storm struck the building. Mr. Campbell and his horse were both knocked down and when he got up, much surprised to find that he was not hurt, he discovered that the barn was wrecked to within three feet of the floor, a confused mass of heavy timbers lying indiscriminately around.

From the present outlook, it is expected there will be a good demand for Canadian hay this year, owing to a big shortage in the crop in the old country as well as the United States.

The statement is made that the Ontario government is disposing of its Central prison output of twine to the farmer at three cents per pound less than he has to pay for the Dominion Government’s Kingston Penitentiary brand.

On behalf of her late husband, Mrs. Jennie B. Boulter of Fort Coulonge has given $500 to the Perley Home for Incurables, Ottawa.

The invalided Canadian soldiers who arrived in Quebec on Saturday were accorded an enthusiastic welcome by citizens of the ancient capital.