FIGHTING FIRE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13648, 16 January 1908, Page 5

FIGHTING FIRE.

MAN TERRIBLY INJURED. CLOTHES BURNED FROM HIS BODY. [BY TELEGRAPH.— PRESS ASSOCIATION.] . Cheistchubch, Wednesday. A grass fire broke out on the Cashmere Hills this afternoon, . and spread for a considerable distance over the Cashmere Estate, before it was subdued. While the fire was at its height a terrible experience befell Mr. William Moon, the caretaker of Victoria Park. He was one of the moat energetic of the workers who .were fighting the flames, and apparently one of the most venturesome. He seems to have detached himself from the main body of the workers, and advanced alone into a gully to extinguish the fire among some large tussocks. "" " " - ,: While he was thus engaged the fire crept past him on either side, and before he was aware of it he was surrounded by a seething and quickly-advancing mass of flame. He made a dash for safety, but before he had gone more than a few yards his clothes caught fire, and he was practically unable to move. He was then seen by a young man named Bright gesticulating and calling desperately to a crowd of workers who were engaged on the east side of the fire. The roar of the flames and the strong wind against him must have prevented his cries bring heard.

As soon as Bright was aware of Moon's terrible predicament he called to a young man, and together they dashed to his assistance. When they reached Moon he was in a shocking condition, but quite conscious. AH his clothing, with the exception of his boots and an undershirt, had been burned off, and he was frightfully injured. Bright and his assistant carried him into the school buildings, where first aid was rendered by a constable and a resident of the locality. An, express was secured, and Moon was sent to the hospital, but lie is not expected to live. EXTENSIVE DAMAGE AT HORORATA [BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] CiraiSTCHDUCH, Wednesday. Reports to band state that a big grass fire at Hororata is covering something under 20,000 acres, including much fencing and some stock. HOUSE DESTROYED AT .MOTU. [BY TELEGRAra". — ASSOCIATION.] Gisborne, Wednesday. Bush fires have been causing much anxiety in the Motu district. A house occupied by Mr. W. B. Orr was burned down, and everything v&i* lost. At other places settlers are working together to save their property. The house destroyed was insured for £500, but the loss considerably exceeds that. THE DANNEVIRKE FIRES. [BY TELcG.tAPH. PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Dannevirke, Wednesday. The bush fires have abated somewhat, though the atmosphere is still very heavy with smoke.