STATE FORESTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 16 July 1938, Page 9

STATE FORESTS

DANGER OF DAMAGE BY FIRES PROPERTY-OWNER FINED COMMENTS BY MAGISTRATE [United Press Association! AUCKLAND, 15th July. The serious danger of tremendous damage being caused in State forests by fires,, lit near fire district boundaries without due precautions being observed was referred to by Mr C. R. Orr-Walker, S.M., in the Magistrates’ Court. A charge of lighting a fire in the Riverhead State Forestry fire district without lawful authority on 23rd January was denied by Frank Peter Gill, motor-driver.

A forest patrolman, Thomas Morrissey, said a fire attracted his attention and he went to investigate it. He saw it was dangerous and went for assistance. Accused told him he had no permit because he understood he was oat of bounds and did not require one. A ranger, Ruben Cornwell, said that when he went to the fire with a gang of men, it was rapidly extending about 30 chains from the edge of the plantation. Before it was beaten out two hours and a half later, the fire was within 10ft of the trees. Wtiness said he previously investigated a fire on accused’s property and warned him that he required a written permit to light a fire in a fire district. “Thousands of pounds’ worth of damage to 10-year-old pine trees might have been caused had the patrolman not given an alarm for assistance in time,” witness added. Accused gave evidence that he owned a property about half a mile from the forest boundary and was engaged in clearing a fire break about 20 chains from the plantation when the patrolman rode up to him. It was then a small fire and could have been put out immediately if he had been ordered to do so. While he was talking to the patrolman, however, it spread into the next property and finally reached the roadline on the edge of the plantation. “It is a serious matter to light a fire in the neighbourhood of a State forest, specially in the summer months,” said the magistrate. “Tremendous damage might have been done but for the prompt arrival of assistance. Because of the very serious nature of the offence I must impose a penalty that will sheet this fact home to owners of property in the vicinity of forests.” Defendant was fined £lO and costs, including £2 6s lid, the cost to the State Forest Department of extinguishing the fire.