BUSH AND SCRUB FIRES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21009, 4 February 1943, Page 4

BUSH AND SCRUB FIRES

NORTHLAND AREAS LARGE PORTIONS SWEPT ARMY HELPS BEATERS (P.A.) WHANGAREI, Feb. 3. Bush and scrub fires are raging in many parts of Northland. The most extensive is that in the Karetu State Forest and adjoining lands, about 10 miles from Kawakawa, in the Bay of Islands County, where 100 soldiers have joined the Maoris, forestry officials, and local settlers in combative efforts. The soldiers are working in shifts. Some cut fire breaks and lake kindred precautions, while others sleep. With the arrival of reinforcements last night, headquarters were established in Karetu. For the time being slash hooks and spades have replaced rifles. An army detachment also is assistin'* in subduing a grass and scrub fire near the Zane Grey fishing camp at the Bay of Islands. Further south fires have threatened several dwellings. In the Puhipuhi district horsemen from adjoining settlements assisted in an all-night vigil, and special precautions were taken at the Puhipuhi mines, less than half a mile from one affected area. Thousands of acres of blackened grassland and scrub are the result of a fire in the Opouteke Valley, Mangakahia. Mr. J. Clark lost his woolshod, containing this season’s clip. In another instance the residence of Mrs. Reid was threatened by a fire, which was stopped by tank water when it reached the hedge surrounding the house. ___