ANXIETY AT GISBORNE.

Colonist, Volume LV, Issue 13648, 13 February 1913, Page 6

ANXIETY AT GISBORNE.

FOURTEEN MILES OF COUNTRY ABLAZE.

CiSborne, Feb. 12

The settlers in the Mangatua county are experiencing a most anxious time on account of grass and scrub fires which have been burning for the past four or five days. Fanned by the recent heavy winds these have got beyond control, with tho result that about 14 miles..of country was reported to be ablaze this morning. Some of the settlers have been battling with the flames continuously without sleep /for theipast two :or ; .three A*Lsys. .-.■■■ '■ ,' ■■~.-"-:* The grassy •slopes of a hill near Gishome caught fire, and it appeared at one time as if the fire would threaten the Kaiti freezing works at the foot of. the hill. The fire originated in a tent occupied by Messrs. Neal and Duncan, and «parfcs set alight the dry grass of the hillside. The slaughtermen and others at the Kaiti works abandoned their knives and hooks for wet sacks, and accomplished good work. In the meantime the many parties who are camped on the beach took the alarm and many quickly demolished their temporary houses,, and all available carts wore called on. and soon sot out in procession townwards with loads of furniture. The fire was ultimately suppressed about 4 p.m.