HAURAKI PLAINS FIRES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21101, 8 February 1932, Page 8

HAURAKI PLAINS FIRES.

EFFORTS OF FIGHTERS. SPREAD OF FLAMES CHECKED. [from our own* correspondent.] TAEROA., Sunday. Although the peat and swamp fires on the Hauraki Plains in the Kaiherc' district have not extended greatly during the past week, they are still burning strongly and it is only through the efforts of the large groups of fire-fighters that the spread of the fire has been checked. Fire-brcaks in tho form of deep drains have been dug, and have effectively stopped the fire on most fronts. On Tuesday night, the firo crossed one of the breaks and quickly spread over several chains. The fighters concentrated on the locality and in about half an hour regained control. The firo in the Mangawhero area still has the upper hand . and t s burning through peat and scrub country. The Lands Department officials are anxiously watching this locality, as it is possible the fire will spread to a further flax plantation on the banks of the river. The men from the Ivarangahake relief camp are being kept on the spot and will not leave until the danger has passed. A further fire near the Waimarie bend on tho Waihou River has got out of hand, and has covered about 50 acres on the farm of Mr. Coborri and Mr. F. Epps. Settlers have organised to fight the fires and prevent the spread.