GRASS FIRE AT FOXTON.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 5, 5 December 1931, Page 7

GRASS FIRE AT FOXTON.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

FOXTON, Dec. 5.

A grass fire which threatend to assume very large proportions occurred in the Huia fibre paddocks to the east of the racecourse shortly after four o’clock yesterday afternoon. The outbreak was first noticed by Mr G. Aldridge who apprised Mr J. Martin, of the fact and Mr Martin lost no time in organising a band of beaters. The men engaged on unemployment relief work were despatched to the scono, and headed by the Mayor (Mr M. E. Perrcau) soon had the fire under control. By then it had covered an area of about five acres and had it been allowed to remain unchecked would have spread over a very large area of land and done considerable damage. There was no fibre in the paddocks at the time. _ , The country around Foxton is very dry at present and the danger from grass fires is considerable. In the town steps have already been taken to safeguard against this.