Forest Fire Dangers: A Fine Imposed

Northern Advocate, 23 July 1938, Page 9

Forest Fire Dangers: A Fine Imposed

[Special to “Northern Advocate.”] DARGAVILLE. This Day. Mr G. N. Morris. S.M.. stating that the Forestry Department was doing its best to keep fires in control, and that ho expected settlers to co-operate, imposed a fine of £3/10/-. with 13/costs, on Burton Alex Gorrie, who pleaded guilty in the Dargaville Magistrate's Court to a charge of lighting a firC at Tutamoe, in the Waipoua forest fire district, without a permit. Mr C. Biggs, for the department, said that defendant, in common with other farmers, was circularised and asked to ! co-cpcrate with the department in the ! question of lighting fires. He had been informed that if he wished to light a first, two forest rangers would be despatched. so as to ensure safety. When an inspection was made on March 15, it was found that fallen bush and logs had been fired without a permit. For the defence, Mr H. J. Bramwell said that 33 aci’es of bush had been ! i f iled in the past three years, and defendant had not been able to burn it. Although no permit was received, defendant considered there was no \ danger.