BUSH SCENERY

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20834, 19 April 1933, Page 10

BUSH SCENERY

DESTROYED. 0 ■ ■ ■ FIRE AT GLENTUI, STILL DANGEROUS ON SIXTH DAY. About 50 acres of bush in the Government reserve at Glentui have been destroyed by a fire which broke out last Wednesday, and was still dangerous yesterday. The whole reserve, which comprises some hundreds of acres, is covered in part with bush containing beech, totara, and white pine trees, and contains many well-known beauty spots. Some of the prettiest bush scenery is reported to have been destroyed. The State forest inspector (Mr W. Montgomery) and a group of about 30 men had the greatest difficulty in keeping the fire in check, and at one stage there were fears that with a change of wind it would spread to Ashley Gorge. Danger from Sparks. Mr Montgomery was notified as soon as the fire was observed last Wednesday, and he succeeded in recruiting 30 beaters from Oxford and Cust. After fighting all the first day they made some progress, but a dozen men had to be retained until Sunday. They were then withdrawn for the day, but the coming of a north-west wind on Monday made it necessary for the inspector to recall them. By last night the fire was practically out, but it was still under observation on account of the danger of blowing sparks. Reports from the area indicated that a strong wind with no rain might easily cause another outbreak. Carelessness of Campers. The reserve is principally known for its scenic beauties, but it also serves as a water conservation area for tho Glentui creek. The fire is believed 10 have been started by picnickers lighting a fire and neglecting to extinguish it when they left. During the last few weeks the officers of the Forestry Department have had a most anxious time on account of this carelessness on the part of campers. There is a strong feeling in the district that farmers and property owners have been too generous in allowing visitors facilities for camping or picnicking, and they are at present in the mood to restrict these facilities unless visitors take reasonable precautions against fire. CONTROL OF NAPIER. $ NEW COUNCIL TO TAKE OVER. Definite advice that the services of the Napier Commission cannot be retained longer than the period for which it was originally intended, and that the Napier Borough Council would assume full control of the borough of Napier following its election next month, is contained jn a letter from the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, which has been received in reply to the petition presented recently by the Napier Citizens' Committee requesting the retention of the commission, at least for a further 12 months. The petition, which was presented to the Prime Minister at Wellington on Saturday, March 25, bore the signatures of 2182 citizens of Napier. The following reply has now been received from Mr Forbes:— "I desire to refer to your recent interview with me and to the petition which you handed me relative to the question of the future control of the borough of Napier. The prayer of the petition, together with the representations which you made in connexion therewith, have received the full consideration of Cabinet, but I regret to advise you that Cabinet cannot see its way to grant the requests made. The borough elections, as you are aware, are fixed for May 3, and these elections must take place in accordance with the law. The new council which is then elected will, when it comes into office, assume full control oi Napier."