several unoccupied buildings met with a similar fate. It was only by the greatest exertions that the railway station house and coal shed were saved. Clay was shovelled upon the fire to prevent its spreading in that direction.

It is feared that an Indian woman and her child encamped a short distance behind the station in O’Leary were burnt to death. Rumours of other persons being burnt are also afloat, but lack confir- mation. Let us hope that the rumours may prove groundless. Between O’Leary and West Devon the fires were burning so close to the railway track, that the express train, in charge of Conductor Kelly, had to be stopped several times to examine the track before proceeding.

The following is an account of some of the major fires which took place in O’Leary during the years 1906 and 1907 taken from "The Pioneer” April 27, 1907:

O'Leary has suffered considerably from fire during the last year. The building burnt last fall belonged to Robert Ellis, Jr., and was occupied by JD. Kennedy 8r Co.; the one burned Sunday night belonged to Robert Ellis, Sr., Postmaster. The Post Office was in the 1 rear of this building and Garfield Ellis’ Drugstore occupied the front with living quarters above. This was one of the oldest buildings in O’Leary and was well finished, having been completely renovated last summer at a cost of over $1,400.00. There was nothing saved from the drug store. While it was burning, Mr. Ellis, the Postmaster, rushed into his Post Office Department; and, at the risk of his own life, saved the mail matter but when he tried to re-enter, he found it impossible as the fire had broken through into the office. His person- al losses were heavy. Mr. Ellis deserves much credit for the effort he made to save the public mail matter regardless of his own property. Dr. MacDougall is also a heavy loser for he had fifty volumes of the latest medical books in the building.

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