Local news: Last week was noted for several disastrous fires in the Ottawa Valley, commencing with one at Gatineau Point, which destroyed about $59,000 worth of property in that village and terminating with the appalling conflagration in Hull and Ottawa on Thursday, which consumed millions of dollars’ worth.

Five square miles of territory burned over. More than 2,500 dwellings, factories, mills, stores and other buildings destroyed; an estimated loss of twelve million dollars in property and between 12 and 15 thousand people homeless; and it is feared a number of lives lost, will give some idea of the destructive work of the appalling fire which started in Hull at about 11 o’clock and exhausted itself at St. Louis’ down near the Experimental Farm at midnight.

As a heavy gale was blowing from the northeast, on both sides of the Hull and Ottawa shores, it was soon seen that the fire was almost certain to be a large one.

The plant of the Pontiac Telephone Company is advertised to be sold by Sheriff’s sale at Bryson on the 15th inst.

Principal Vaughan is recovering from a rather severe attack of illness which compelled him to relinquish his duties at the Academy for the past ten days.

The Barton homestead in Clarendon, occupied by Mr. Edward Tubman’s family, was destroyed by fire last week and little if any of the effects saved.

Mr. James Laughren, also of Clarendon, had the misfortune to lose all his outbuildings from fire which started from soap boiling.

The Shawville council held a special meeting on Saturday night to consider measures for sending relief to the victims of the Hull-Ottawa fire.

Ad: Bristol Wharf Ferry: The undersigned having had two years experience in ferrying passengers between Bristol Wharf and Sand Point will continue to do so this season as follows: leave Bristol Wharf every day (Sundays excepted), at 8 a.m., 2:45 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. Leave Sand Point every day (Sundays excepted) at 10:31 a.m., 3:27 p.m. and 5:42 p.m. Meeting all trains. George Ballantine, Ferryman.