Grasslands Swept by Fire

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 25, 30 January 1943, Page 4

Grasslands Swept by Fire

BLENHEIM, 1 Jau. 29. A black swathe was burned across five farms and sheep stations for a distance of several miles yesterday when a fierce grass lire swept an area exceeding 1500 acres. Over 200 men, including members of the Armed Forces, were engaged in au all-day fight with tho flames and only their strenuous efforts averted the' destruction of the threatened homesteads and station buildings. In addition to a serious Joss of feed, two stacks of wheat on the Tyntesfield Estate were destroyed, as well as a large bluegum plantation, an orchard, and a vacant whare. On other ties, there were stock losses, but thu number of sheep trapped is not yet known. The fire started in a paddock of headed wheat stubble at 8.30 in the morning, spreading swiftly, and it was not controlled until after 5 o’clock. As a result of a two months’ drought, the district is as dry as tinder end tho fire risk is mounting daily. Already there have been several more or less serious fires in one of which the Wairaii I River Board had a plantation of 10,000 trees virtually wiped out. Another outbreak started when a header harvester capsized, starting a fire which destroyed the machine und menaced a homestead. Croquet Success In the final of the women’s championship of the Wanganui Croquet Association’s tournament, Airs. L. Wood, of Palmerston North, beat Mrs. Lowery, 26 —7. Alesdanies Wood and Cutten, Palmerston North, also won the hffhdicap doubles, beating Alesdames D. ?.Lc- | Clymont and Liggins, 26—23.