BUSH FERES IN THE GiSBORNE DISTRICT.

. o Exciting Experiences.

Heavy Losses.

(Per United Press Association.)

* . GISBORNE, January 9. Tho Morere correspondent of the Herald telegraphs that the country around Morere is one immense bush fire, which is being fanned by a strong westerly wind: •' The settlers arc having a,m6it trying experience, their homesteads being surrounded by burning trees. Sparks from the bush keep falling on the roofs of the dwellings. The sight of the burning ! trees 'is most beautiful to watch at night for those not interested.

Mr Coop is stated to be a -heavy loser, having lost 3000 sheep and all his outbuildings, also timber sawn for' his new building. , Mr Janies Cooper came 1 through with a. party of ladies, and had a most thrilling experience, driving through fire and smoke for fourteen" miles, and at 'times having to make his horses gallop. They were stojiped at times by large burning trees which had fallen across the road.- % ,

Numerous exciting adventures are reported. The mail coach, which arrived from Morer,c this evening, had a rough time. The coach left Wairoa yesterday -morning, and all went well till it r got past Nuhaka township. From there, to the Morcrc Hot Springs the country on both sides of the road was 1 on fire. The heat was stifling and the smoke suffocating/ It was impossible to see ahead. . Big trees were falling with a crash, terrifying the horsesi and it was only by careful driving that they were persuaded to keep on the track. The coach reached Morerc at 5 o'clock. The journey to Gisborne was continued this morning, burning^trees on the truck being removed. The coach pushed through with all "hast?. It was fortunate that the driver did so, as • the fire sprang up again behind him. Fires in the Motu district necessitated' some families burying .their furniture. In one case the ladies had to flee to the green bush.