FIRE DANGER

MINISTER'S PLEA FOR CARE "One of the saddest sights for the New Zealand tree-lover is a firescarred area of native bush," said the Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr. Parry) today. Apart from the recent bush and scrub fires at Taupo, Wairakei, and on the eastern slopes of Wellington harbour, there was in official reports, he said, evidence that prompt action on the part of public-spirited citizens had saved from fire destruction many wayside areas of native bush. It was believed that live cigarette butts or pipe ashes had played a part in one or two of the incipient nres that had occurred. The dry, hot weather had made scrub and grass growth along the highway very inflammable, and great care should be taken particularly with live cigarette butts. "The people of New Zealand," Mr. Parry added, "want to keep intact the scenic beauty of their highways and the native bush near them. They have [the safeguards in their own hands."