BATTLE WITH FLAMES.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 11 March 1926, Page 5

BATTLE WITH FLAMES.

FIGHT TO SAVE SAWMILLS.

(BY TELEGRAPH PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

BLENHEIM, March 10. • A serious bush fire threatened last night to sweep a,way two sawmills and huge stacks of sawn timber, as well as the cottages of the workers. As it was, the residence of one. of the mill workers was totally destroyed. . . The mills are situated in the 1 inline Valley, off Pelorus Sound, and are owned bv Messrs W. Carr and Bryant Bros.' Details obtained from Havelock state that the fire started yesterday afternoon, at about three o’clock, on ' the property upon which the mills stand, and a change, in the wind to tlie north-west led to the fire getting out of control. Fanned by this heavy wind, the flames bore down on the timber mills. At the roadside .the bush was burning fiercely and sending up great billowing volumes of smoke. The entire staffs of 4th e two mills were turned out as a fire-fighting force to do battled with* the' flames and to protect the buildings. A whare belonging to Mr Gardiner fell a victim to the fire. , As darkness fell the battle was stiii in full swing. The fire appeared to have a stronger hold than ever, and the gallant fighters were well-nigh ( dropping with exhaustion, whilst many V were overcome with smoke. Seeing that the mills would be destroyed, as well as the dwellings of a hundred people comprising the whole settlement, an urgent call for reinforcements was sent out to the surrounding districts. With the burning of Mr Coleman’s house any hope of saving the mill itself was practically abandoned, but a lulling wind inspired the weary men to renewed efforts, and the progress of the flames was at last stayed at seven o’clock this morning. It was fortunate that Dr Clymont accompanied the Havelock contingent to the scene, for he was called upon to treat, many cases of burns and collapse.