Prize cattle, barn, equipment lost in fire at Litchfield: Fire, which started in a straw stack just off the highway Sunday afternoon raced through the outbuildings on the farm of W. D. Hodgins and Son, resulting in damage estimated at $10,000, only part of which is covered by insurance.

The disastrous fire came just a short time before the power was to have been turned on, as the farm has just recently been wired. Only the efforts of the neighbors, using buckets, saved the farm house from being destroyed. First word of the fire came from a passing motorist who started blowing the horn of his car which brought Howard Hodgins, 7, whose father Lorne Hodgins operates the farm, to the front door of the house. With a nephew Eric Draper, from Gracefield, Lorne rushed outside but there was nothing they could do as the farm buildings went up in smoke.

Among the equipment destroyed were a number of engines, the milking machine and separator; three registered pure bred heifer calves; one grade Holstein calf; one year-old bull; two fattened pigs, ready for the family’s own use; a new mower, buggy and cutter, seed grain and graneries. They managed to save three pigs out of a litter of ten and three horses. The cattle were in the pasture at the time.

Nellis Stewart and Dave Hodgins were treated after the fire for burns on the head and face.

Dog poisoner loose in district: A dog poisoner, who is believed to wrap his death-dealing strychnine in lumps of meat, is held responsible for the death in Shawville during the past few weeks of three pet dogs. Several other dogs have shown symptoms of poisoning but have recovered. Among dog owners who have lost their pets are Mr. and Mrs. Mack Hayes, Ray McTiernan, Amy Armitage and Mrs. Harold Hodgins. Bill McKinley and Mrs. James Stickler report that their pets have become ill but are recovering after treatment.

A little of this and that: 

It always happens . . . G. A. McDougall got started on his golfing last week. After devoting considerable time to deciding on a caddie and making other plans, he arrived at the course minus golf balls, so he couldn’t play. All adding to his enjoyment of a month’s holiday.

Speaking of fishing . . . It is said Basil Elliott tried walking on water during a recent fishing expedition when he mistook a thick clump of weeds for solid ground. It is also said he claims he was pushed.

Some women are lucky . . . Harper Rennick advertised his car for sale, changed his mind and put new plates on it and gave the car to Mrs. Rennick.