FIRES IN SAND DUNE AREAS.

Northland Age, Volume 25, Issue 14, 30 July 1925, Page 6

FIRES IN SAND DUNE AREAS.

(lo the editor). Sir, —On the 19th ult, while road repairing on the Waipapa-kauri-West coast road near the sand dunes, three native women approached me and complained that they had been accused by a European of lighting fires (or a fire) in the sand dune area in the Opoe district. The accusation it appears took place while the women in question were filling their packs with pipi’s on the beach prior to returning homeward. Had this individual, who was mounted, gone a few miles further north to a place called the Karaka there is not the least doubt that he would have effected • gallant capture and covered himself with glory for at that place were congregating a large number of men and women who had come from the back blocks earlier in the day and had also passed the scene of the fire which had taken place at about J 4 of a mile from the beach. Under the old adage that “discretion is the better part of valour” he did not proceed to the Karaka where the men were but extended his vituperations to the unfortunate women who were the only people he could see. From careful enquiries made I am of the opinion that the fire was lit by a careless teamster throwing down a lighted match while driving through. That this careless system of lighting fires io the sand dune areas is unfortunately too common by picnicers and others, and all should be warned that the maximum penalty is £2O. What is really required is an authorised ranger appointed by the Government. I am etc., W. Stanton. Waipapakauri, 11/7/25.