FIRES IN THE COUNTRY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13672, 13 February 1908, Page 5

FIRES IN THE COUNTRY.

DAMAGE IN TARANAKL, % CRITICAL POSITION. i fSt TKIiZORA.-'M.—OWN COEBBaPONDENI'.] New Plymouth, Wednesday. W: To-pAf & thick, smoky haze hung over New Plymouth, .the sun appearing as a. great ball . I of fire. In the afternoon the smoke was so . . thick as to cause considerable discomfort, dud set rumours afloat concerning the march ,:'of the flame;! towards the town/ Great clouds of smoke were rolling in, apparently from Carrington Road district. At Mr. Cock's a grass fire started just after noon, :.' and spread rapidly through the orchard. 'Hie men engaged on road work near rush,r cd across, and it was with their assistance ; i that the fire was prevented from spreading. In the valley which crosses to Mangorei Road, Mr. WilkieVproperty was a mass of flames, and the sight at night was very picturesque. On the other sido of tho road, about a mile further on, acres were ablaze in Messrs. 11. C. Riley's, Binnie's, and A. Cole's properties. Fanned by a stiff southeast breeze the flames travelled rapidly from tree to tree in the direction of Frankley Road. At Davies* sawmill, which was reported to have been destroyed, all was safe, but only as the result of a night's hard toil. The fire had gained a hold on some stuff lying near tho building, but by strenuous efforts the mill was saved. The danger is not yet over, however, for a south-easter is blowing in a direct line from Mangorei | 'Road.

Mr. H. G. Bl&nchett had a trying time on Tuesday night. At 11.30 he had to turn out and watch a fir© that had approached close to the house. All hands were kept busy fighting the flames until daybreak, and although the outbuildings caught on several oocaiMions but little damage was done. The fires are crossing rapidly from Mangorei Road towards Mr. Rawlinson'a Caxrington Road farm, and are approaching the pretty little area of native bush preserved for scenic purposes. Mr. Brasch's Ratanui Estate is in the line of danger. The residences of both these settlers, are closely surrounded by trees, and the position is indeed critical. It is feared that the FraoMeigh Park settlers will have to protect their homes unless the wind comes from a fresh quarter.

From Taxiki it is learned that the fires starting in that district travelled rapidly towards Kaimata. An unconfirmed report is to the effect that the Upland Road school ■was burned down yesterday. The fires are also reported to be serious round Egrnont .village. • : .

A CRIPPLED INDUSTRY/' THE HAWKE'S BAY SAWMILLS. [BY telegraph.— ASSOCIATION.] Dannevirk.e, Wednesday.' In an interview with a press representative the manager of the Hawke's Bay Sawmillers' Association stated that the recent bush fires had practically crippled the saw- • milling industry in the province. The output had fallen from an average of three and s-qnarter millions to one and three-quarter jinillions. It was absolutely impossible for the mills in Hawke'a Bay to supply orders on time. Five mills had. been practically destroyed by fire, and other mills had suffered great} loss in tram lines arid bridges £10,000 would be a low estimate of the loss over the'province. ' ■~ . u [ ■ ./; '~"

GUM SWAMP; ON FIRE. [FROM OCR OWN COaEESrONDEST.] Dabgaville, Wednesday. A thousand-acre gum swamp, well drained and dry, near Mangawhare, has been on fire for weeks. The property belongs to Messrs. Williams and Marriner, and recently they were offered £7 an acre for it. The fire has practically destroyed it, burning through from sft to 10ft of peaty soil right to the clay.

(HOUSE DESTROYED AT ROTORUA. ';'. [BY TELEGRAPH.— ASSOCIATION.} Rotortja, Wednesday. The residence of Dalboth Brothers, at Oturoa, was totally destroyed by fir© this afternoon, nothing being saved. The origin of the Are is unknown. A strong westerly jrisd Baa been blowing throughout the day. FIRES AT PALMERSTON north. [si telegraph.press association.] Palkerston North, Wednesday. The firebell rang out three times this afternoon, but each time the brigade Managed to get the fires under before much damage was clone.