MID-CANTERBURY FIRES

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24814, 2 March 1946, Page 6

MID-CANTERBURY FIRES

DEPUTATION TO MEET MINISTER

About 60 farmers attended a special meeting at Ashburtop yesterday to discuss the recent outbreaks of fire in Mid-Canterbury. On the motion of Mr D. M. Bruce it was decided to form a deputation to meet the Minister ot Railways and to ask the Hon. R. Semple to make an immediate inspection of the affected areas. Messrs D. M. Bruce, R. J- Chapman, P. J. Mowat,. C. W. Keely. R. D. Robinson, J, Langley, C. T. A. Ward, and W. T. Lili were elected, and it was left to the deputation tq carry out further negotiations. The meeting was the outcome of representations made after the disastrous fires this week, said Mr P. J. Mowat, who presided. Ip reply to a telegram. Mr Semple had stated that he regretted to learn of the fires in Mid-Canterbury and promised to have the matter investigated.

“There is irrefutable evidence that trains did start the fires, and there should be compensation. It seems farcical for the Government to ask us to grow crops and then use trains burning coal wfiich set fire to them for us?’ said Mr Mowat. The rain had lessened the risk of fire temporarily, but the danger would be present again if the rain stopped, he said. “We all kpow how serious the position is in the dry season, with trains going through the districts.” said the county chairman (Mr H. C. B. Withell). On Thursday Mr J. Adand, M.P.. toured the affected areas and by telephone informed the Minister of Railways of the seriousness of the situation, he said. “There is no doubt in our minds as to how the fires occurred. They could not be caused by cigarette butts thrown from trainsthere wouldn’t be enough cigarettes in New Zealand tn light at’ thos? fires.” he added Mr Withell paid tributes to the work of the residents volunteer fire-fighters, and Dost office staffs, as well as the regular members of the Ashburton County Council’s fire-fightipe staff. Members of the Public Works Department and other volunteers were included in a vote of thanks nnssed bv the meeting.

Mr S. P. Tavlor said that the position was alarming and he urged that the meeting Dress for copipensatinn for what residents had Jost. The rest of the discussion was taken in committee. “The matter is already rece ; vin° the attention of the department with a view to seeing that everything nossible is done to eliminate fire danger from locomotives.” said a telegram received from the Minister of Railways received bv the Ashburton County Council yesterday.