GALE IN THE NORTH.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VI, Issue 1787, 5 November 1919, Page 7

GALE IN THE NORTH.

CAUSES BUSH FIRES TO SPREAD. [Special to The Sim.] MARTON, November 5. The Rangitikei district has been visited by a gale of extreme violence, and the cold, wet weather is likely to have a serious effect upon shorn sheep. Several residents of the Taihape district' had an anxious time on Sunday night, owing to a bush fire north of Hihitahi, and on the ridge road overlooking Taihape, getting out of hand. Sottlers were taking advantage of the fine weather to burn felled bush, and set fires going with the prospect of a good burn, when a heavy gale sprang up and carried the fire with great velocity over a big area of country, until the downfall of rain arrested its progress. Mr McQowan aud family were compelled to fight the flames during the night to save the homestead, whilst Mr McGuinness suffered the loss of a considerable quantity of timber. Several sheep were badly burned, and a good area of fine pasture destroyed. Other neighbours' fences and grass were also consumed. At the height of the fire it was thought the Taihape borough scenic reserve would be brought into the I danger zone.

MANY SHEEP LOST. Press Association. GISBORNE, November 5. The bush fires in Tapuwaeroa Valley, Waiapu, were extinguished by the rain. Several native farmers lost sheep, ono 400, one 100 and others smaller numbers. The missing half-caste has turned up. No settlers' residences have been lost.