NORTHERN BUSH FIRES.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 30, Issue 24, 26 March 1918, Page 2

NORTHERN BUSH FIRES.

FURTHER PARTICULARS.

Further news su’pplied to a “Times” reporter reveals the extent of the disaster caused by the great bush fires that devastated the townships of Raetihi, Horopito and Rangataua. The conjectures of Tuesday gave way to more solid fact but there still remains an element of uncertainty surrounding the fate of Raetihi and the full extent of the mischief done by the combined elements, wind and fire. From amongst the varied accounts sent from different parts of the line can be gathered some general idea of scenes Dantesque 'in horror and gloomy grandeur. The burning bush, swept by the raging cyclone, spread destruction far and wide, making it impossible for the unfortunate settlers to cope with the havoc-working flames. So far as can be ascertained the starting point of the fire was on the Papapara road, whence it ate its way through Raetihi township, whch was soon encircled by flames. The fire lashed by the furious gale soon turned a hundred houses into dust and ashes. _ A dust-storm followed, and this, combined with the pungent smoke, added to the plight of the settlers. The fate of some of them is still unknown, but parties are now out searching for those who have not yet reported themselves. The scenes in the devastated districts almost beggar description. The cyclone broke with demoniac fury on the doomed township some time between midnight and one o’clock on Tuesday morning. A prolonged drought had left the bush dry, and log fires were rapidly fanned into gigantic fires beyond the powers of the settlers to cope with. Some idea of the terrible ordeal suffered by the refugees from the stricken bush town of Raetihi was vividly brought home to the minds of those who witnessed the coming-in of the relief train from Raetihi at Ohakune on Tuesday night. Children in their night attire, men and women in working clothes, with swollen eyes and blackened faces, spoke of the terrible and trying time they had gone through. Those who saw the sight declared it to be the most pitiable they had ever seen. From the burning bush came the eery cries of animals perishing in the flames. Among the sea of flames there was noticeable at times a column of fire more majestic and more intense than the rest. The strong gale swept the flames on to the bush, which was soon in the fiery embrace of the destroyer. These trees will burn, many of them for weeks, and from a distance they looked like the pillars of fire that guid-ed-the Israelites of old through the desert by night. Rich columns of smoko sent up by the fire that raged beneath, arose slowly to the dark murky sky and ever and anon, when the gale became more violent, the whole sky was lit up by the mighty conflagration.