BUSH FIRES.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXV, Issue 327, 31 January 1908, Page 7

BUSH FIRES.

Press Association. Dunedin, January 29. Advice reached Dunedin to-night that fires raging in the Waipori district have destroyed several square miles of bush. The fire apparently started on Witchers Bros.' run on the opposite side of the river to Waipori Electrical Power Works, by sparkg carried across the water, and the fire is now burning on both sides of the river. The outbreak started this afternoon, and had not been suppressed when latest advice was received. The Corporation Barracks were practically destroyed, also the cottage and stable, almost everything contained therein being lost. The barracks were insured for £700. The power station is said to be well removed from thejdanger zone. Men are being Kept on watch all night. Bush fires raged fiercely round the Otautau township yesterday. Harrington Bros.' sawmill and a long stretch of tramway, and a considerable area of virgin bush were detroyed. A change of wind saved the Southland Timber Company's mill. Invercargill, January 30. I Bush fires which have been burn-1 ing in Otautau district for weeks caused serious damage on Wednesday, when several dwelling houses at Harrington Bros.' and Southland Timber Company's mills were destroyed. Bridges and tramways also suffered. The former's loss is estimated at £1500 and the latter's at £500. Both mills will be closed for a month tc effect repairs. Nelson, January 30. A somewhat serious, bush fire is raging in Aniseed Valley at the Copper Mine. The men's tents at the United Mine site were burnt out and for five days they were fighting the flames to save the smelter. The fire is not yet endangering the manager's house, but a change of wind may alter the aspect of affairs. Further ,reports yesterday show that a disastrous fire is raging on Mr Rockfort's property at Motupiko. Messrs Newport Bros, and Coleman Bros.' houses and farm buildings are still in great danger. A heavy wind blowing is spreading the fires over a still larger tract of country. Gallant work was done by a large band of fire fighters on Coleman Bros.'farm. One of the men F. Savage, in endeavouring to turn the fire"from a swamp, was almost burnt to death, being got out with much difficulty.