GRASS FIRES

Southland Times, Issue 22492, 29 January 1935, Page 5

GRASS FIRES

WAIRARAPA DISTRICT

SERIOUS OUTBREAK AT TAUHERENIKAU

PICNICKERS BLAMED

(Per United Press Association.)

Carterton, January 28. The Wairarapa district experienced a series of grass fires over the week-end, two houses being menaced at Masterton, but fortunately they were saved through the efforts of the brigade and helpers. Other outbreaks occurred in grass paddocks. The damage created was not extensive or serious. A small outbreak occurred at Carterton, but was quickly suppressed with no damage.

The position was more serious at Tauherenikau, a few miles from Featherston, where scrub and grass fires raged practically all yesterday, the burning area being estimated at 500 acres, destroying a considerable length of fencing. In spite of the efforts of many helpers it was impossible to check the progress of the fires, which were allowed to burn until prevented by natural barriers. The damage is not ascertainable. The Tauherenikau outbreak was attributed to picnickers. WHEAT DESTROYED LOSS AT ASHBURTON. (Per United Press Association.) Ashburton, January 28. Three hundred bushels of wheat in sacks lying in a paddock constituted the main loss in a fire which swept a portion of the Willowly district. The outbreak occurred at the height of a north-west gale and was caused by a fall of power lines. The McKay Brothers were the owners of the wheat.

A large number of farmers quickly assembled and beat out the flames with the assistance of the County Council’s fire plant.