FIRE AT WAIHI BEACH

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 55, Issue 32672, 4 February 1946, Page 5

FIRE AT WAIHI BEACH

NATIVE TREES DESTROYED DAMAGE AT ORAKAWA Lovers of native trees and shrubs will deeply regret that approximately 150 acres- of bush and scrub were destroyed by fire which started at Shark Bay and swept over the hills on Tuesday to Waihi Beach and ended in* embers 'Friday morning, leaving a few smouldering pohutukawa trees. Much more beautiful bush would have been destroyed were it not for the efforts- of the Waihi Fire Brigade, members of the Waihi Surf and Life* saving Club, Beach residents and visitors. Two hundred and fifty men fought the fire all day and night under the supervision of the d'eputy-superin-tendent of the Fire Brigade, Mr W. Pennell; the Government inspectorjof reserves, Mr S. M. Hovell, and Messrs F. Riaddings and H. Pipe, honorary inspectors. All did a great service in helping to save from destruction, Orakawa, one of the most lovely spots in the Dominion. It is understood that boy's playing with matches, as boys will, were the cause of the trouble. .Doubtless in later years, if they remember, they will regret what has happened and restrain their own sons.