SWAMP FIRES

Hokitika Guardian, 24 January 1935, Page 6

SWAMP FIRES

RAGING THROUGHOUT WAIKATO

PUBLIC WORKS CAMP EVACUATED.

(Per Presß Association. — Copyright.)

HAMILTON. January 24,

With the continuance of dry weatlie conditions/ swamp iires tnroughout the Waikato are raging practically unabated and further loss to pastures has been suffered.

Despite, a strenuous fight against the enscroatehing flames at T mallei yesterday, thirteen families were rendered homeless as the result of the fire raziilg hutments to the ground in a Public Works camp. The fire originated over a week ago, and, fanned by recent strong winds, made rapid progress yesterday •afternoon and evening.

When the me n realised the possibility of the fire reaching the camp, they made every endeavour to check its advance. When they saw this was impossible, they grasped a few personal belongings and ran for safety. Much pasture land in this locality has been swept by flames, and, owing to the tinder- dry nature of other property, settlers are much concerned. The evacuation of the Public Works camp was pathetic. Although their exit from the homes they had occupied for months was hurried the workers placed the contents of their hutments in neat piie s on the roadside. There was a great variety of personal effects, including beds, sideboards, pictures, (gramophones, chairs, clocks, bicycles, radio batteries, and even children’s toys.

With great presence of mind the women worked strenuously to help their husbands. When the lorries arrived to tak© away their furniture, they handed the articles up to the men loading the vehicles. Some women who had babies only a few months’ old. divided the time between attending to them and watching the removal of household goods. So far this month the Hamilton fire brigade has received twenty-two calls, a record for the district.