BUSH FIRES.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19227, 6 February 1928, Page 8

BUSH FIRES.

RAGING ON WEST COAST.

EXTENSIVE DAMAGE REPORTED

(SPECIAL TO IHK TBKSS.)

GREYMOUTH, February 5. The Paparoas were hazy in a blue curtain of smoke to-day from the bush fires which are raging m the Moonlight and Grey Valley districts. Fires which are still raging in the Mawheraiti district have caused extensive damage. The McAlpine Saw mUling Co., at Mawheraiti, is having a strenuous time in protecting its mill property and tramline troni the fierce tires which are threatening its property. About twenty employees were out all Friday night fighting the flames with buckets of water, out despite their heroic efforts there was over a mile or tramway destroyed. Tins means a serious loss to the company, -which had recentlv taken over the hill property from Mr G. McAlpine Bush fires threatened Messrs Byrne Bros.' homestead, which was saved only after strenuous work on the part of volunteer fire-fighters. Mr J. Somerville's home was also in serious danger from flying sparks, and caught fire several times, but was saved through the strenuous efforts of the bucket brigade. During the time that the men were fighting the fire to save Mr Somerville's home, Mr Robert Byrne's home caught fire and, being seme distance away, was razed to the ground before assistance arrived. Mr Byrne sustained » severe blow as he lost everything, there being no insurance. So far the gallant efforts of settlers who have organised themselves into an emergency brigade, saved much valuable property from destruction. The bush fires at Bourke's Creek, near Reefton, have spread still further afield, and the bins at the Anzac Mine with their contents of coal were ablazo on Friday night. The property is owned by a party of workers, Messrs Pennington E. Tattley, S. Magee, and Provis. Their loss is a very heavy one.

Morris and Co.'s mill at Larry's creek was also threatened by bush fires, and a party has been organised to protect the property. With the glare of the hot sun and the smoke from bush fires, the heat in Reefton stifling. Instructions have been received from the Education Board by Mr A. B. Werry, headmaster of the Reefton District High School, that the schools are to be closed each day at noon while tho excessive heat lasts. Mr Werry has been requested to notify all other schools in the Reefton district of the instruction.