FARMERS AND FIRES.

Feilding Star, Volume II, Issue 532, 27 March 1908, Page 3

FARMERS AND FIRES.

_ ~~mDAMAGES OF £100 FOR A FIRE FIGHT. IMPORTANT POINT RAISED. rPEB TRESS ASSOCXATION-1 Dannevirke, March 26. A caso of interest to farmers was decided by the magistrate, Mr McCarthy, to-day. During the recent bush hres m the AVeber district, one settler took advantage of the wind to light a hie to fight ono that was approaching. After three days the wind changed, aud the fires followed their original course, extending to property•neighbouring on that on which the fire ws lit and caused damage valued at -fc^JJ 19s After a lengthy hearing, lasting all day, tho Magistrate gave judgment for £100 damages, holding that the farmer lighting the fire on the adjoining property to plaintiff was responsible, although there were many other fires in the district. The Magistrate expressed the opinion that legislation should be passed providing for the regulation of hie lighting. Ho pointed out tliat many bush settlers were Crown tenants, who were compelled to clear the bush and burning was the only practical way. m