FIRE DANGERS

Greymouth Evening Star, 26 December 1934, Page 10

FIRE DANGERS

COAST DRY AS MATCHWOOD. A good fall of rain would be welcomed throughout the West Coast. Its interference with holiday attractions would be disappointing to some people, but the good it would do, is undisputed. Townships and settlements not reticulated by a water scheme, and they are many on the Coast, are in an unhappy position. Pasture land, and gardens are adversely affected. The ground is cracking under the abnormal weather while roads and streets not tarsealed, raise a cloud of dust at the slightest, disturbance. They are also ridged and pot-holed to a degree uncomfortable for use. Water tanks are dry, and many people are employing part of their holidays in carrying water for drinking, and other uses at their homes. The prevalence of bush and s<jrub fires is evident from the haze that has spread itself over the district in recent days. The close proximity of the fires has caused anxiety to many settlers, and country residences. The West Coast growth is as, dry as matchwood, ripe for burinng,'and fire spreads rapidly in any area. Caution should be exercised by every person, against inviting the spread of fire, for the inflammbale nature of the bush and other growth at present, is a menace to stock and property. On Monday, Stillwater homes were endangered. Residents had a strenuous time in fighting back the flames that almost surrounded the township. A shed in the cemetery, and a fowlhouse on the property occupied by the stationmaster, Mr P. Knights, comprised the only buildings destroyed, but others would have been enveloped but for the vigilance of residents. The five-roomed dwelling, owned by Mr Stan. Gray, and occupied by Mr Gordon Hooper, at Stillwater, was destroyed, but not as the result of bush fires. There are indications of rain falling, and the best service that people can give to allay fires is to use every care, and make certain that all outdoor fires, such as those used during picnic excursions, are thoroughly extinguished after they have served their usefulness.