THE BUSH FIRES

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 109, 31 January 1908, Page 7

THE BUSH FIRES

DESTRUCTION IN NELSON, A NARROW ESCAPE. SETTLERS' AND MINERS' LOSSES. (by TEu:GßArn—rnrcßs association.) Nelson, January 30. A somewhat serious bush fire is raging in Aniseed Valley, at fclio copper mine. The men's tents at tlio United Mino were burnt out, and for' fivo days tho men were lighting the flames to save the smoltor. Tlio fire is not yet endangering tho manager's house, but a change of wind may alter tho aspect of affairs. iFurthor reports yesterday show that a disastrous fire is raging on Mr. Rockfort's property at Motupiko. Tho houses and farm buildings of Messrs. Newport Bros, and Coleman Bros, are still in great danger. A heavy' winds is blowing and spreading the fires over a still larger tract of country. Gallant work was done by a large band of fire-fighters at Coleman Bros.' farm. Ono of tho men, l'\ Savago, in endeavouring to turn tho firo from tho swamp, was almost burnt to death, being got out with much difficulty. ' _ Later. The clouds are banking up, and thero is some appearanco of a much-dosired change in tho weather. OUTBREAK IN CENTRAL DULLER. A MURCHISON' SAWMILL. (DY TELKGRAI'II—MESS ASSOCIATION-.) Nelson, January 30. As tho. result of continuous dry wwther, Downio Bros.'*'sawmill at Murchison, in the Central Buller, caught firo this fomoon. Tho planing and the drying sheds were completely gutted. Tho mill shed and cngino wero saved with great difficulty. Tho loss is heavy, as tho owners wero uninsured. It includes a largo stock of seasoned timber, plauing macluno, tools, etc. IN INVERCARGILL. SAWMILLERS LOSE HEAVILY. (DT TEI.EO HAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Invercargill, January 30. Bush fires which havo been burning in tho Qtautou district for a week caused serious r l amago on Wednesday, when several dwelling liimses nt Harrington Bros.' and the Southland Timber Company's mills were destroyed. Bridges and tramways also suffered. Tho loss to Harrington Bros, is estimated at £1500, and to the Timber Company CSOO. Both mills will bo closed for a month to effect repairs.