"WORD reached Queanbeyan at about 7 o'clock on Sunday evening that all the country lying between Glenwood and the Murrumbidgee was one gigantic conflagration, and the services of every hand that could possibly be procured from town were at once requisitioned. Many men who had horses and means of conveyance at once placed their services at the disposal of those who were suffering from the effects of the fiery element which was rapidly spreading over miles and miles of grassed country, sweeping fences and all before it.
On Monday morning, believing that the fire was still raging, about one hundred men volunteered to proceed thither and conveyances supplied by Messrs Hayes and Russell, Messrs P. C. Hill and Son, Messrs Woodger Bros., Mr. J. T. Collett, Mr. Raymond, Mr. Jeffreys, and others, were overcrowded by men, anxious to lend a helping hand in conquering the flames. The streets of the town were almost deserted, and those to be seen grouped about the town were eagerly awaiting tidings of the damage wrought by the fire. Reports received in town were of such an exaggerative and contradictory nature that little reliance could be placed thereon, and it was not until late in the evening when the appearance of the men from the seat of the fire with bloodshot eyes and sunburnt skin was made, that an accurate account was made known. The fire having speed over such a large tract of territory, it is yet impossible to obtain the actual amount of damage done, or even the names of the sufferers.
So far as we can gather the fire originated somewhere on the Murrumbidgee, beyond Glenwood, and being noticed by Mr. H. Sigga, who is employed on the Gungahleen estate, news was at once spread with all haste to secure the early services of the neighbours in the vicinity. A report says that so fierce were the flames, which were carried along in an easterly direction by a high wind, that the fire reached the Gungahleen property long before Mr. Sigga, though he raced on horseback. The flames swept through the Glenwood property at express pace, leaving a space three miles wide of black ruins behind it, and burning about 300 sheep to a cinder. Reaching Mr. George Hatch's property, at Ginninderra it still raged with all its fury, and in a very brief space of time had consumed very much including two horses that were closed up in stables. The old Gininderra store was completely demolished, and though the old Gininderra lock-up was attacked it appeared as though the building was not to be burned.
The flames spread over the walls and destroyed all the debris with which the old building was surrounded, yet it escaped destruction. Crossing into Mr. Clarke's property still further damage was done. Mr. Clarke is reported to have been burnt completely out even to his fowls and two dogs that were chained up. The Gungahleen estate suffered to a very great extent. Hay and straw` stacks were consumed, wheat stacks recently harvested and even to a waggon that was standing loaded in the reaped field were reduced to a mass of ashes. At this stage the wind fanned the flames that they were actually carried into the midst of a paddock just reaped of its crop, and so inflammable was everything that a set of bullocks yokes, lying on the short stubble, was also reduced to cinders. When in Gungahleen the fire was about two miles in width and was being fought by 200 men. It was only with great difficulty and the indefatigable exertions of the wiry and sturdy team of men combating the flames, that the Gungahleen homestead was saved. On reaching the residence of Mr. B. G. Crace, a severe conflict was encountered and it was at one time estimated that the building would go with the rest. Mr. Crace recognising this ordered his buggy and drove Mrs Crace away into safe quarters. Before his return he received the pleasant information that his home was intact.
Mr. George Hatch also had a more thrilling experience, as he undertook to place Mrs Hatch in a hole of water, where she remained until the fire had passed by. Telegraphic communication with Queanbeyan was interrupted, in consequence of the posts on the road being burned down, thus causing the delay in the arrival of men from other parts. The progress of the fire was stopped yesterday morning at about 11 o'clock, before the men from Queanbeyan arrived. Mr. Thos. Gribble also sustained lose of grass.
As to the origination of the fire there are many conjectures, Some say it is a continuation of the fire which was last week reported to be burning down the Murrumbidgee ; others attribute its cause to the negligence of fishermen. News was received in Queanbeyan last night that another fire was raging in the vicinity of Jeir. Mr Fred Campbell also dispatched a a messenger to town last evening asking that men be sent to Uriarra bridge to fight a conflagration that had begun there. It is to be hoped that the slight shower of rain which fell in Queanbeyan last night was experienced in these parts if so, it is probable that a check has been put to the further career of these fires.
Another fire was raging yesterday out Uriarra way. A brief report to hand states that Messrs Webb Bros. are heavy losers. Many sheep were roasted alive. All the property of the late Mr. G. G. Webb was swept, only leaving one house of three standing. Two drays and other valuables were also destroyed."