GREAT PEAT FIRES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 43, 18 January 1935, Page 2

GREAT PEAT FIRES

SETTLER LOSES HOME. BATTLE WITH FLAMES. Per Press Association. HAMILTON, Jan. 17. Powerless to check the devastating spread of the flames, Mr E. L, Burr, a sharemilker, of Newstead, watched his home reduced to ashes when the enormous peat fires spread over his property last evening. The farm, which is owned by Mr G. Crossley, of Rukuhia, lias been turned into an arid waste as a result of the steady advance of the flames from the adjoining swamp. The peat fire is a menace to 1000 acres in the Newstead district. Much land of a swampy nature extends from the railway line to the main Hamil-ton-Morrinsville road and settlers have been compelled to remove their stock and leave their homes to the mercy of the advancing flames. At the end ,of a clay road which runs far into the swampfrom the main highway, Mr Cross!?v’s property of 400 acres was devastated. It is surrounded by wasted, arid peat, only about 50 acres of pa.sture remaining, while the other 350 acres comprise a treacherous, smoking desert upon which it was safe for none to trespass yo terday. Mr and Mrs Burr were powerless to fight the spread of the flames and were compelled to remove their furniture and other belongings and take refuge in a whare on n. more secure portion of the farm. Mr Burr was not prepared to lose his home without r. struggle and for hours toiled in the smoke and heat to check the advance of the fire by digging a deep trench. This was of no avail and the flames passed inexorably on. Soon it became impossible to approach‘the house on account of a deep layer of burning peat. While he watched his house being razed to the ground he also set about the more practical task of saving the other buildings on the farm. At the present time strenuous efforts are being made to save the milking shed, which is in danger.