SAWDUST FIRE AT KIMBERLEY

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23194, 4 December 1940, Page 4

SAWDUST FIRE AT KIMBERLEY

♦ BURNED FOR FORTNIGHT An outbreak of fire in a pile of sawdust at Harts Reserve, Kimberley, on November 6, continued for a fortnight before it was extinguished, stated the superintendent (Mr E. A. Cooney) in his report to the Selwyn Plantation Board at its monthly meeting. The cause of the outbreak, he said, was unknown. The area had to be patrolled when easterly winds were blowing, as sparks were crossing the' road towards the other large pile of sawdust in the plantation. It was fortunate that the fire had not occurred in midsummer, as it would have been impossible to suppress it. Fortunately it had been extinguished by the recent heavy rain, said Mr Cooney. About 200 yards of gorse fence had been destroyed. The chairman (Mr A. E. LangdaleHunt) suggested 'hat the fence be cut down in order to prevent possible outbreaks in the future. The suggestion was adopted. The recent penetrating rain of 1.75 inches had been of great benefit to trees in all stages, continued Mr Cooney, especially those planted this season at Bankside. There the dry spell had caused a number of trees to die, and the strike would be only an average one. Last month 136 cords of firewood had been cut and 155 cords sold, he continued. It was obvious that woodcutters were not available, and in January five of the present staff would be due for military service. By that time, however, outstanding orders for pine should have been fulfilled. In October, 2250 fencing stakes had been disposed pf, and there had been a steady demand for far this month. The board set up a sub-committee to report on the question of the supply and price of firewood. The chairman of the finance committee (Mr W. P. Spencer) reported a credit balance of £2451. On his motion it was decided to invest not less than £IOOO as a temporary loan. Accounts amounting to £745 14s 8d were passed for payment. It was decided to make a donation of £IOO to the funds at present being raised in the city by the queen carnival for patriotic purposes, £25 to be given to each of the four queens.