North Worst Scrub Fire Area In North Island

Northern Advocate, 16 December 1939, Page 6

North Worst Scrub Fire Area In North Island

Northland was the worst area in the North Island for unauthor-

ised scrub fires.

The Inspector of Reserves for the North Island (Mr M. J. V. Galvin) stated this yesterday.

Mr Galvin has been organising a cooperative effort by all departmental field officers to prevent the trouble and urged the public to co-operate. The North had great productive and aesthetic assets, and they should bo protected, he said. These Cause Fires. Three classes of people caused fires, he continued: Gumdiggers, who burnt off small gum locations and were indifferent how the fire spread. (Pig-hunters were also Included in this categ^y). The careless person who threw down live cigarette butts and matches. The vandal and the psychological defective who started fires for pleasure. During the week, he continued, about 150 acres of scrub had been burned at Mangonui. This fire had menaced the township, thus emphasising the danger of such fires to human life, stock and property. It also showed what might be expected if the next two or three months were very dry. Apart from the loss of valuable scenic bush and the diminution of water conservation areas, unauthorised scrub areas definitely obstructed future progress. Much of Northland's present scrub country had great potential possibilities for development, but was being spoiled by a succession of fires. With the holiday season approaching, the prospects of fires starting were greater unless all people were vigilant, and were careful with their camp fires, cigarette butts and matches.

Ngawha Springs Buildings Threatened A message from Kaikohe today stated that a large scrub fire, which mysteriously started on Friday morning, threatened several dwellings near the Ngawha mineral springs. No damage was done to any of the buildings, apart from the scorching of paintwork. About 5 p.m. the fire was swept by a strong south-westerly wind towards Cunningham’s Private Hotel. A party of Maoris and members of the P. & T. staff, from Kaikohe, fought the flames for over an hour before the fire was under control.