FIRES

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21387, 1 February 1935, Page 3

FIRES

FOREST RESERVES SWEPT POSSIBLE DANGER FOR FARMHOUSES (fbiss association telegram.) MASTERTON, January 31. Fire which broke out near the State forest in Mount • Bruce, adjoining Mauriceville West several days ago is still burning, the flames now having eaten their way into the reserve, 50 or 60 acres of which have been destroyed. Because of the tangled nature of the bush and the contour of the land it is practically impossible to fight the fire. It is thought that the fire may not spread much further unless the wind gets up, in which case it would probably sweep down on to adjoining farm properties. OUTBREAKS JN THE WAIKATO (FBCS3 ASSOCIATION TEtEOBAJf.) HAMILTON, January 31. The need for immediate and drastic action to combat the peat fires now raging in the Waikato was emphasised at a conference of local body representatives and Government officials to-day. It was decided to approach the Government for funds, and a committee was set up to negotiate in the matter. The country representative expressed the opinion that any relief should be financed by the Government. . ~ , An unemployment official said ha was empowered to utilise labour under certain conditions. BITUMEN PLANT DESTROYED (PBSSS ASSOCIATION TELZGBAM.) WELLINGTON, January 31. The city corporation's bitumen mixing plant at Rongotai was destroyed in a spectacular blaze early this morning. The cause of the fire was the boiling over of a 1200 gallon kettle on the top floor, boiling bitumen reaching the ground floor, where the mixing plant was situated. A huge column of black smoke was visible for miles. The plant cost more than £SOOO. Insurance carried by the corporation was £2200.

At St. John's, Newfoundland, a woman was taken to hospital recently suffering great pain after eating a slice of toast for breakfast. An X-ray examination revealed that she had swallowed seven pins. Many other pins were found in the loaf from which the slice was found.