SWEPT BY FIRE

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 75, 30 March 1939, Page 10

SWEPT BY FIRE

FARMS AT TAKAKA

NIGHT OF TERROR

A GRIM STRUGGLE

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

MOTUEKA, March 29.

Fanned by a high wind, a fire on Tuesday night swept through the Canaan Valley on the Takaka hills, near Molueka, consuming the homestead of Mr. E. Sixlus, and sheds, stable, haystacks, and whares on the property of Mr. J. Sixtus, and causing heavy loss of stock and feed. When the flames passed after a night of terror for residents of the valley, all that remained was the homestead of Mr. J. Sixtus, saved by hours of strenuous fighting by the owner. Of 1000 sheep in the valley only 50 were mustered yesterday.

When the fire took charge in the valley, a farm employee managed to get out for help. He was in an exhausted condition when he fortunately met- Mr. D. Trewavas and Mr. R. Kerr, who were engaged carting firewood. The two men made a hazardous journey through the bush, in Constant danger from falling trees, and reached the home of Mr. J. Sixtus, where they found Mrs, Sixtus and the family, whom they helped to safety. Mr. Sixtus had left the house to try to drive his sheep out of the valley, and anxiety was felt for his safety.

Later, Mr. Kerr and Mr. Trewavas returned to the valley. A survey of the fire area led them to the belief that Mr. J. Sixtus's home must have been destroyed, and they commenced to search for the owner. Returning down the smoke-covered valley, they found him at his house after midnight, in an exhausted condition after a long, single-handed fight to save the building.

Mr. Sixtus had given up hope of saving his sheep, and when he returned home he found his wife and children had gone. He fought the fire with his mind tortured concerning the fate of his family.

Mr. Sixtus told an exciting story of how he dug a hole in the ground to enable him to get. air. Taking a deep breath, he would rush with a bucket of water from the creek to the house.

One shed contained gelignite, which exploded, blowing the building to bits. The explosion was heard from the main road, about eight miles away, and Mr. Sixtus was slightly injured by a piece of flying metal.

The fire originated from burning being carried out by Mr. J. Sixtus during the day; •