A “DELIBERATE CAMPAIGN”- INDISCRIMINATE FIRE LIGHTING ALLEGED AT REEFTON

Greymouth Evening Star, 29 September 1950, Page 4

A “DELIBERATE CAMPAIGN”INDISCRIMINATE FIRE LIGHTING ALLEGED AT REEFTON

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REEFTON, This Day.—The indiscriminate firing of the countryside, allegedly as part of a deliberate campaign, which has increased the risk of power breakdowns in the Reefton area, was condemned by members of the Inangahua County Council yesterday. The council agreed to ask the police to endeavour to apprehend the culprit or culprits in an effort to stop the current outbreak of fires.

“Deliberately Lit” “These fires are being deliberately lit, and I have letters asking why the Grey Power Board is not taking action,” said Cr A. Topp. “Some ‘galoot, lit a fire out my way and a power pole was burning magnificently, until a boy put it out. Had he not taken action, there probably would have been another power cut,” he added. “Can we assist the Power Board to stamp out these fires? I understand that there were several serious cases in the hospital when the power failed last week-end.” Cr A. G. Wells suggested that it was the responsibility of the Power Board to clear growth away • from its poles. . Though fires were being lit indiscriminately, last week-end’s power cuts were due to a blow-out at Hukarere, explained Cr J. E. Etheridge. Since then, however, other fires had broken out, on one occasion twice in an afternoon. “I was told that the fire on the hill was lit by the Mines Department, but whether that is correct or not I don’t know,” he added. “The actions of the culprits are irresponsible .but it is difficult to get eVidence on which to prosecute. If we do catch anyone, a prosecution will follow all right.”

Warnings Sought “The hospital was in serious difficulties last week-end, and had the Power Board broadcast an announcement concerning the trouble, it would have been a help to the hospital,” said the chairman, Cr C. Coxall. Cr Etheridge pointed out, however, that a radio announcement could not have been received in Reefton with the power off. He added that he had sought information regarding the durations of the break, because of growing difficulties at the mine, but the men had been busy and had not been able to give much help. Ci’ P. J. O’Regan pointed out that the continual firing of the hillside behind Reefton was accentuating the subsidence problem which was affecting the race carrying the town’s water supply. An approach made to school children by the police some years ago had terminated a run of fires, said Cr W. Blackadder, but if adults were

now responsible severe punishment was deserved. “I heard a man saying he was going to fire the Forestry Department’s area,” said Cr Topp, claiming that publicity for the matter would lead to further'fires being lit in sheer perverse spirit. In agreeing that the police should be approached, Cr Etheridge referred to the serious industrial disruption caused by the fires and power interruptions. Hospital View

Reference to last week-end’s prolonged power failure was also macfe at last evening’s meeting of the Inangahua Hospital Board. The experience was described as “grim,” by the matron, Miss M. D. Whisker, in her report. She stated that two ambulance and two maternity patients had been admitted during this period, and candles and. lamps werd quite inadequate both for the theatre and the home. “When these things happen, those who suffer include the hospital where there are sick people,” said the chairman, Mr C. Coxall. To prevent a recurrence of a blackout, the board decided to ask the Grey Electric Power Board to instal the electric stand-by plant, recently brought from Nelson, as soon as possible. ______________