Actint; on the sugpestion of tbo Auditors,' theßoard have had cer tified valuations made of all the-free hold properties belonging or mortgaged to theOompany.'by experienced exports, The result has been most satisfactory,' showing that tlio investments could be yaluedataconsiderablyenhancedauiount much in excess of 'tho valuation' at present standing in he'books. As a slight acknowledgment of the presence of mind,. promptitude, and, pluck displayed by Mrs Arnot andlier nephew, Master Vivian, tho eleven-year old son of Mr D. Donald, iu extinguish ing an incipient fire,which ocourred at Solway House a few weeks since, the New Zealand Insurance Company have forwarded to them-a cheque. for £5, through, the loeal agent, Mr Burton Boys, Tho circumstances that gave rise tej, the occasion are these": The jei;vaiit girl had emptied a tin of wood ashes without noticing that : amongst thorn were live embers. The wind, which was blowing in gusts at .the-time, carried , .some of the embers undef tho bouse, ! where they lodged against some .wood work which soon became ignited. : Tho ! suioko arising therefrom penetrated tho liouso,and on tho cause being discovered, 1 Mrs Arnot took prompt measures to extinguish the flameß by a liberal appli-' ' cation of water. Unfortunately the fire had extended.under.the building and could not be'reached from the outside, i Young Vivian Donald promptly orawled i in beneath the house and tried.to throw i water on the fare, but tbo position was to'o awkward for him to succeed. He thon lore off his necktie and handker- I chief, he'soakedthem in the water on the , ground and fabb¥d r tho burning ; plates, and afterl-great ;diflicblty. and ! boing nearly, suflboatcd with smoke, his '. exertions were crowned \ with success, | and the.fire completelyvextinguished. i The act jvas apluoky one in oiwling , under the house'while it .was ..burning, , aiid the presence'of'hiind of the young , lad in'prOmptlyiseizingcupou the best , method available m an;emergency,is highly cominsndable; and'richly de- ; i serves the recognition it metwith.at the i hands of tho Insurance ■Company 'in i terested,. Property to tlie value of ovpr athousand .pounds wai saved by the 1' presence' of' mind ; of Mrs Arnot and her. young nephews ' :: - : "'-: pi .?-'■':..;

: ;Mr F, H, Wotid add.to his catalogue for ncxt/;Tovatflbi ; atock sale 100 uwes

and 50 lamtaiji, tho woof. ■'■. •: ■... 