BUSH FIRES IN THE NORTH.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 30, Issue 23, 22 March 1918, Page 4

BUSH FIRES IN THE NORTH.

NUMEROUS BUILDINGS DES TROYED AT RAETIHI.

WIDESPREAD DESTRUCTION,

A message from Taihape on Tuesday reported that bush fires were raging around Ohakune and Raetihi (King Country) and also between Utiku and Mangaweka. From Rangataua to Raetihi was a mass of lire, and the wires were all down around and close to Ohakune.

A later message from the postmaster at Raetihi stated that the township had been devastated by bush fires, and many settlers had been burned out. Twenty-five houses in the township, including the County office, Town Board office, dairy factory, and Police Station had been destroyed. Owing to the heavy hurricane still raging fears were entertained for the safety of the centre of the town. Relief trains -were bringing people from the stricken district into Ohakune.

Wellington was enveloped in a thick cloud of smoke on Tuesday. The light was obscured to such an extent that most of the offices were compelled to use artificial illumination.

Sir Joseph Ward addressing a meeting of business men in Wellington regarding the War Loan, passed a resolution, “That the citizens of Wellington desire to convey to the inhabitants of Raetihi their heartfelt sympathy, and to assure them that if financial assistance is required, it will bo given. ’ ’ Sir Joseph Ward said later that he approved of the resolution, and believed the Government would do its duty by the people if they should find financial assistance necessary. The Secretary of the Post and Telegraph Department received the following message on Tuesday afternoon from the postmaster at Ohakune Junction, transmitted through Taihape: “Latest news says that part of the town and a hundred houses have been burned in the Raetihi district. Seventeen houses and seven sawmills at Horopito, three sawmills and some houses at Rangataua, and a few houses and two or three sawmills in the Ohakune district have also been destroyed. All the post offices are safe, and so far no assistance or material is needed. Rain commenced this afternoon, and the fires are now well under control.”

The postmaster at Taumarunui reports that the Main Trunk bridge near Horopito was damaged by lire and held up expresses. Passengers were transferred. The sleepers are being replaced, and through services should be established on Tuesday night. A strong gale raged over Napier at about 4 o’clock this morning, but no damage is reported. MARTON, March 19.

The town is enveloped in smoke, and there is a dull red glare in the sky. Business places were working by gaslight to-day. “The police report that the Egmont Box 'Company’s works at Ohutu are burning. The railway is seriously menaced. . Enormous damage has been done to property. ’ ’ The outside grandstand at the Marton racecourse was partially demolished by the gale. The roof and back wall are swaying in the air. Cattle are reported to have been killed in the Turakina district, where trees were uprooted and sheds demolished.

Ngaruahoe is reported to be in orup tion.

WANGANUI, March 19. Big bush and grass fires raged inland at the Wanganui water supply works, fanned by one of the heaviest gales experienced. The Presbyterian Church at Westmer was lifted bodily off the blocks by the gale. The town and whole district was shrouded in a dense paH of smoke, extending far out to sea. Similar reports have been received from Fielding, Palmerston North, and Masterton.