MANY FIRES ABOUT NELSON

(By Telegraph.) (Special to. "The Evening Post.") NELSON, 19th January. A bush fire at Tophouse, which started several days ago and destroyed a Public Works camp, was still burning yesterday, and threatens to damago the scenic reserve bush near Lake Kotoiti. A second Public Works camp on the New Road towards Qlenhope ''is also threatened. The firo apparently started in Wair'au Valley near tlte Bed Hills and spread through the bush behind Tpphouse, then across towards Boundell. The Public Works camp was disr mantled and all appeared safe when the wind changed, and bofore anything could be done the whole camp was destroyed. The firo then threatened Mr. Blechynden's property, but was under control in that neighbourhood Many other fires are raging in the district, and the indications are that this year will b.e a bad one for native bush. It is nearly a. month since rain fell, and that was on one night only.