THE OXFORD AND BIRCH HILL FIRES.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 9947, 28 January 1898, Page 5

THE OXFORD AND BIRCH HILL FIRES.

INTERVIEW WITH THE HON. W. HALL-JONES.

[BY OUR SPECIAL REPORTER.] Noticing that the Hon. Hall-Jones had* paid a visit of inspection to the''district devastated by the recent fires at Birch Hill and Oxford, I sought an interview with him before the Penguin left Lyttelton last night. Though the time at his disposal was very short he courteously met mc and gave mc the particulars of hie visit. In answer to the first question, he said that Mr Moore and Mr Meredith, M.ELR.'s, went with him by AY ednesday's train to Oxford, where they were met by the local Relief Committee, with whom they afterwards had a consultation about the position. The Committee represented the wants of the distressed settlers, and from the information supplied it would appear that many people were in very bad circumstances. "Yesterday," continued the Minister, "we, with the exception of Mr Meredith who had to return to town, went over the district from end to end, seeingi the people affected, and conversing with very many of them. Newspapers are sometimes given to exaggeration, but I found that in this case there had been none. The description and detail of tho unfortunate affair has been rather under than over estimated. The whole fire apparently swept along with such rapidity and irresistible force, and in so short a space of time that it is a wonder lives were not lost. Noj I can't say what acreage has been destroyed, nor if 14,000 acres of Government bush have fallen a prey to the Uames, but the area swept by the tire would probably be about nine miles lons* by two miles wide. The suggestion that tho Government should assist the sawmillers by giving them a large order for Oxford sleepers is not altogether practicable. The Oxford bush seems so far destroyed that were two mills re-started there would not bo more than three or four months' work for tliom." I observed that a gentleman who had visited tlie district had stated tiiat the timber of which the best sleepers were made had been destroyed, and in answer to my query if that were so, The Hon. tho Minister confirmed the statement, adding that where there was any good timber available it was very scarce and not easy to get at. At tho Birch Hill end there was a bettor class of timber, where perhaps it might pay to reconstruct a mill. The mills burned down had a largo order for the new Solw-jtn bridge. All that timber has been destroyed, aud it was difficult to see where the timber could be found supposing the mills were again set going. "It has been suggested," pursued the Minister, " that we should give some assistance to millers by replacing their tramways, tho estimated cost of which is £250. I pointed out that this was a question which must be gone into when considering the fires as a whole, for there had been disaster and loss at Pahiatna and Rye Valley, and to be fair all must be treated alike. The question also came up about the vote for road bridges pub down on the Estimates at £300. The amount was for bridges beyond those which have been destroyed. Tho loss in this respect is estimated at £500, and the Committee wish the £300 utilised in replacing these, as new ones whoro previously intended would be little good withj out the old ones were first replaced. I was prepared to recommend that, especially as j the Oxford district is rated to its fullest 1 extent. Another thing we were asked to do I was to supply grass seed, the cost of which ! was estimated at £500. That question ! would again have to be decided when consideration was being given to all the people affected by fires. I noticed my colleague, the Hon. Mr Walker, promised to bring the matter up on behalf of the Pahiatua people, and I shall do the same for these at Oxford aid Birch Hill. I have gathered some information as to the extent of the losses, and shall bring tb.ent Jbeforo my colleagues, if possible, at theTCabSnet'meeting to-morrow." Do you know,!_ Mi' Jones, if the Department will, as suggested, make an exhaustive inquiry into the cause of the fire ? " I cannot Bay. But, supposing they did, what good would result ? If it were found that the fire started from a fire lighted by some camper*), what could be done to them 1 Doubtless they would have taken all precautions, and it would be found the origin was accidental. I have been asked to have an inquiry made, but am not at present preEared to say what will be done. I think, owever, that precautions should betaken against the recurrence of sucli fires by a local body having control to see that no fires are lighted during certain hours and,in certain areas. The timber left isHapped and will soon get dry, and would result in another terrible blaze /if another fire , started. This, I think, could be avoided lif such powers as I have mentioned wwe given to a local body "to immediately have extinguished any fires carrying the appearance of danger. It has also been suggested, with which I rather agree, that a wide belt should be cleared' to the north-west to ensure the safety of the town. This belt would be too wide for flames to cross, and ! any sparks, if carried over, would he quickly extinguished." As the hour for the steamer's departure was approaching the interview terminated at this stage.

His Worship the Mayor has received the foi* lowing letter in answer to the request that his Excellency the Governor would patronise the entertainments in aid'of the Fire Relief Fund :—•* Government Houpe, Christchurch, January 27th. Sir,-—I am. directed by his Excellency to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of January 26th, and to »ay that his Excellency and party will be pleased to attend both entertainments in aid of the sufferers from tbe bush fires. We shall, probably be five or six in party, but I will let you know on the morning of each enter-t_i*--nent how many seats wo should be likely tfcb require.—Yours, _c, C. Hill Tr-svob." A large number of invitations have been issued by his Worship the Mayor and Mrs Louisson for the meet* ing of ladies this afternoon in the Mayor's room. The object of the meetjag is to consider the best method of assisting the committee which has been formed to raise funds for the relief of the sufferers by the recent bush and grass fires. In connection with the Kinematograph entertainment to be given in the Theatre Royal on Thursday evening next in aid of the fund forthejrelief of the sufferers by the Oxford and Birch Hill fires, Signora Venosta has kindly consented to sing, and' will make her re-appearance in Christchurch on the occasion. It b estimated that 14,000 acres ot Crown lands bush have been destroyed by the recent fires. His Worship the Mayor has received the following amounts:—J. Grigg £5 ss, T. I-.8-. Howson £2 2s, S. Garfortb £2 2s, collected by Miss Caverhill £1 16s, L. W. Tosswill £2 2s. » The sub-committee who have the details lof the costume cricket match on Thursday next in hand are doing all they can to make | the match as amusing sa possible. The services of several local amateur comedians have been offered, and it is possible that with the costumes they have selected they will create somewhat of a sensation. The Sports Ground Committee have very getaer* ously given tho use of Lancaster Park free for the occasion. The match will be played twenty-two aside, and the sub-committee have convened a meeting of cricketers and | others for to-morrow night, at eight o'clock, in the City Council Chambers, so as to obtain the co-operation of as many as possible. j The story of Nanaen's journey to the 'North Pole will be told by Mr W.W. .Collins at the Art Gallery on Tuesday even* ; ing next, in aid of the Bush Fires Relief < Fund. It will be illustrated by limelight' views, and should prove most interesting. ; His Excellency the Governor, Lady Ranfurly and suite have intimated their intention to be present on the occasion. Mr Boost's orchestra have kindly given their services free of charge, and will play selections during the evening. It is to be hoped in view of the object that there will be a large attendance on the occasion. On Wednesday afternoon a large number of ladies formed themselves into a sewing bee, and resolved to make up into clothing for the sufferers any materials which may be sent by kind sympathisers for that parpose. Mr John Ingram kindly gave the useoftt cottage, and the affair promises ita > a groat suoqms. _a the «•*•___ the

* Belie. Committee met, and were favoured With the presence of the Hon. W. Hall-Jones and Messrs Meredith and Moore, M.H.R-'s. All three gentlemen gave valuable advice and the Hon. Mr Hall-Jones stated that he intended to make a personal inspection of the Scene of the calamity on the morrow, after which he would be in a position to make representations to his colleagues as to the best method of assisting in relieving the distress. It was needless to say that the Government deeply sympathised with them in their trouble. The three gentlemen received a hearty vo£e of thanks, which was responded to by the hon. the Minister. The Executive Committee then met and •devised plans for rebuilding the houses of the following settlers who had been burnt out:—Messrs Froham, Friar, Osborne, Dohrtnann, Stevenson, Knowles and Askew. The other cases were left in abeyance until the Secretary had consulted with the owners as to the best way of dealing with their misfortunes, and the Executive expressed their determination to deal with all the cases on a just and equitable basis, so far ns their funds would allow, acting on the information which their Secretary would supply at an early date. The Secretary was given discretionary power to supply cocking utensils and carpenters' tools i to those who required them. The ChriHtchureh Working Men's Club la«t night voted £10 towards the Oxford and Birch Hill fire relief fund. Tlie Hon. Mr Hall-Jones, on behalf of the Ministry, has given £20 towards the fund.