Saturday about 9 a.m. the alarm was given that the Acid Works, over a mile from town, was on fire, and the fire alarm called out a number of members of the Brigade. It was ascertained that the Railway had no engine to convey the fire engine to the scene of disaster; and an effort was made to get a team, which after considerable delay was had, and the Firemen present started for the Acid Works. The road was rough, and the team found difficulty to get up the hills, with all the assistance the men could give. By the time the engine reached the fire the buildings were beyond saving, and soon all the wood work was reduced to ashes. As the nitre, sulphur, etc., in stock was dangerous it was advisable to keep a respectable distance away.

Mr. Ashworth, who moved his family last Fall to the premises adjoining the back building for convenience in case of necessity, was present when the nitre that was being ground by a Chinaman exploded—believed to have been caused by a nail or bit of iron getting into the mill—and in an instant the Chinaman and Mr. Ashworth were spattered over with burning nitre; the Chinaman ran out of the door, while Mr. A. leaped out of an open window, and called out to the Chinamen standing by to throw water on the burning Chinaman; as Mr. A. passed through the window his boy gave the alarm and Mrs. A. having been startled by the explosion now rushed forward and soon recognized her husband, in a moment they were at the kitchen door and the hose turned on to his burning garments giving relief at once—when he made an effort to get up stairs where he had considerable money and valuable papers, together with nearly all the family clothing. The smoke was impassable and the flames bursting out the attempt was abandoned, and Dr. Hanington arriving Mr. Ashworth was sent by a hand car to the Hospital, where his burned face and hands were properly dressed by the Matron. In the mean time the poor Chinaman was suffering and finally reached the Chinese Hospital where he died that night. His clothing having been cotton burned rapidly; Mr. Ashworth had on woolen clothing, which the nitre did not have the same effect upon, and to this may be attributed the comparative lightness of his injury.

The Powder Works proper were burned down last season, and a heavy loss sustained; at that time principally owing to the care and exertions of Mr. Ashworth, the Acid Works were saved. The Works destroyed recently rebuilt now down goes the Acid Works with an estimated loss of $80,000. The loss of Mr. Ashworth is probably $2,500. Deep sympathy is felt for himself and worthy family.