WAITAKERE FIRE AREA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20293, 28 June 1929, Page 14

WAITAKERE FIRE AREA.

Sir, —A correspondent writes of the alleged hardship to settlers in complying with tho provisions of a declaration of a firo aroa in tho Waita'keres. There can be only one opinion on this matter if safety from fire of our busli is paramount, and that is proper supervision. The greatest danger lies at tho foothills, where every year, in tho height of summer, fires are set going ais a sirtiple method of destroying weeds. There can be no better means of self-protection than that provided under the Forestry Act, where authorised rangers are appointed to supervise and carry out its reasonable provisions. Not only have we protection from adjoining owners, but also from the worst enemy—those lighting fires on roadways and in the reserves. No local authority can command such saffl protection and enforce penalties as are vested in the Forestry Department- under the Act, or have afc disposal tho proper means of- dealing with an outbreak of fire. Any burning necessary can be done effectively within the limits set out, viz., April io October. H. J. Atkinson.