FIRES.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 11 February 1908, Page 4

FIRES.

[United Pbess Association.] i MASTERTON, Monday. Bush fires ha/c been started at Rangitumana, Gladstone, and Opaki. A high wind was prevailing to-day, and tho fires were regarded with some apprehension. A threshing plant belonging to Mr Mutrie has been destroyed by Arc. It was being drawn by a traction engine when it caught fire. It was completely destroyed. It is supposed that a spark irom the engine started the fire. A quantity of fibre has been consumed at Opaki. NEW PLYMOUTH, Monday. Bush fires have broken out along the coast, west of Mount Egmont. A house on the Kahui road was destroyed on Sunday, and seven others were having an anxious time, but the local rain this morning was timely. A lady and children' driving through the bush road had a trying time, being overtaken by fire. The children's hats and the parcels in the trarj were burnt before assistance arrived. At several places were burnt down, including a large dwelling. A sawmill had a narrow escape, although a quantity of timber was destroyed. WHANGAREI, Monday. At Hauto a building used by the men on Brown's contract has been destroyed by fire. The cook left the building a few minutes before. The men lost all their belongings, and Mr ] Brown was also a heavy loser. WELLINGTON, Monday. I News is to hand that Messrs Bebin and Gardiner 'b sawmill, two miles from Taihape, has been destroyed by bush fires. The mill was about to be cut out, and the plant was to be moved shortly.