FIRE AT MAHINA BAY

HOUSES THREATENED

Fire in the bush-clad hills of Mahina 3ay covered an extensive area last night and threatened several houses in that locality. Regarded as probably an extension of the fire which had occurred previously ■ in York Bay, it I travelled through the bush, and, fanned by the high wind, set a difficult task for the fire brigadesmen and their helpei's. The hilly country and the changing directions of the strong wind in the] gullies placed the fire-fighters at a considerable disadvantage, but after some three hours' strenuous battling they had the fire under control. The area • was too far away for water to be worked up from the sea, but a small j dam was struck in the hills, and this fortunately held sufficient water to enable bucket pumps and buckets to be used with good effect. The Lower Hutt fire brigade was called to the scene at 9 o'clock,' and its members were back at the station shortly after midnight.