BUSH FIRES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19047, 18 December 1923, Page 5

BUSH FIRES.

SHEEP LOSSES REPORTED. FARM BUILDINGS DESTROYED. (Pea United Pnr.sa Association.) GISBORNE, December 17. Bush fires are causing considerable damage in the back country. In the Malawai district farm buildings and a small school were destroyed and sheep lost. Damage is also reported at -Wharekopae and along the East Cdhst. r lhe weather continues dry, with a high wind. BIC FIGHT AGAINST FLAMES MILES OF FENCING LOST. CARTERTON, December 17. An outbreak og bush fires in the Tararuas swept from 300 to 500 acres. Thomson, at the foot of Mount Holdsworth, Idst his woolshed, Blatchfcrd and a party of helpers fought the flames from the cow bails and wool-shed and house from 8.30 on Sunday morning (ill 4 this morning without cessation, and succeeded in saving all the buildings. Miles of fencing were destroyed, and losses of stock are anticipated. Hares, rabbits, birds, and ’possums are reported dead in numbers. The wind has now ceased, and the fires ore in hand. SAWMILL BURNED. A HUNDRED THOUSAND FEET OF TIMBER DESTROYED. INVERCARGILL, December 17. Young Bros.’ sawmill at Orawia was destroyed by fire on Saturday nigbt, together with 100,000 ft. of_ timber. There was no insurance. This is the fourth mill burned in the Waiau district during the past three weeks. Bush fires have covered a large area, but are now under control. The dry spell and high winds have made fire-fighting arduous and difficult.