THE BUSH FIRES

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 241, 17 February 1911, Page 4

THE BUSH FIRES

ROUND ABOUT KAHOTU. THRILLING EXPERIENCES. FAMILY'S FIGRT FOR LIFE . (From Our Own Concspcmdent). Those who complain that they are inconvenienced by the heavy pall of smoke that hangs over townships or cities many miles from the scene of action can have no idea of the perils and dangers that the settler and his wife end children have when battling *to save their homes, aye, and sometimes their lives, from the devouring monster.

THE SETTLERS* STRUGGLES. Blinded by the Humes, suffocated almost by the smoke, and dazed by the heat from the conflagration, they work at fever heat, almost frenzied, frantic, and often uselessly endeavor to beat out the flames. Tired out and exhausted, dizzy and sick with baffled hope, nature at last gives way, and they sink, content to allow the enemy to do its worst. But again, dogged determination comes to their assistance, and they make another desperate effort. Such was the experience of many, and when the helping parties were able to force their way through the smoke and llame, they found several -who had just about given up for the last time. And how glad was the welcome to the new arrivals!

One very pleasing feature of the fires was the willingness with which help was forthcoming. Those who were in the safety areas rushed off at onee to the assistance of their less fortunate brethren. It would be invidious to nierv tion anyone conspicuously where all were so good and worked to the best of their ability. Even the ladies did what they could, and ventured close to the burning zone to convey any sufferers to safety, whilst the sterner sex were r battling their way through smoke and flame tofarms where they knew help would lm needed, and they were many, Time and again, men rushed the roads, only to be beaten back, but as soon as the lire allowed it they hurried to the rescue. A PERfLOUS EXPERIENCE. The Duggan family had an experience that few have, and come through alive. Mr. Duggan was compelled some four years ago to relinquish his home on the Kahui road through adverse circumstances. Nothing daunted, he erected a temporary home on his bush section at Opourapa road, and through sheer hard work and determination he carved out a home for himself and wife and family, the former of whom proved a fitting help-meet He was succeeding admirably and had every reason to congratulate himself on the result of his efforts. A nice seven-roomed house had been erected, and everything was comfortable, when this devastating fire took place. Of course, fires arc necessary before a section can be cleaned up, but they must be kept within hounds. Tht» cyclonic wind of Sunday prevented this. The fire travelled miles with lightning rapidity, scattering myriads of spark* ahead pf its course, which in their turnsoon generated into a conflagration. Mr. Duggan soon saw that nothing more could be done, and sent Mrs. Duggan * away with the children in company with his brother to seek shelter in the hitter's house across country, whilst fie wont through to the back of his section to open his gates and give his cattle a chance for their lives. It was not long before the fire was on him, and he was soon BATTLING FOR HIS LIFE.

To go back was impossible. His only hope was to push on, and get to the Parihaka road, which adjoined his section. Suffocated by smoke, dazed by the heat and flame, tortured in mind through doubt and anxiety as to the fate of his wife and family, he sank to the ground exhausted, and nearly gave up hope of getting through. It was only the thought of his wife and family that nerved him to further effort. The indomitable pluck that is characteristic of the successful bush settler, however, stood well to him, and after a few moments on the ground endeavoring to obtain a little pure air if possible, he staggered to his feet and rushed on. He ultimately arrived at Parihaka kainga, and endeavored to obtain a horse, hut was unable to do so. Had he not been exhausted, it is questionable if he would have taken a refusal, as he was in such a state of mind regarding bin family. Wehi, a well-kriown native, volunteered his—an old decrepit animal that looked as if it would fall of its own volition without the added weight of e 14 stone man, and Mr. Duggan decided to walk on to the Main road about two miles further on, where he obtained a horse nnd ultimately rodo the six miUsto his brother's house. Meanwhile, how had his family fared? Their plight was equally bad, and they needed all their powers of endurance. The road was A FIERY FURNACE, and impassable, and they had to strik« across country about one and a half miles. Led by Mr. P. Duggan, who carried the two youngest children, tho others walked. The heat and smoke were almost overpowering. They had not proceeded far before 'Mrs. Duggan's dress caught alight. With considerable presence of mind she cast it off and proceeded on her perilous journey. Again and again sparks set alight her attire, but she succeeded in quenching the llame. Meantime, she was rapidly becoming exhausted, and on one occasion fell down, done up. The sight of her children ahead, however, re-aroused the maternal instinct, and she battled bravely on, ultimately reaching safety, after aipexperienee that would make the stoutest-heart-ed quail. The two children that were carried became quite unconscious, but they soon recovered. The other children passed through unscathed. The whole family have now got well over the ordeal. They lost everything except what they stood up in. As has already been reported, Mr. Duggan lost many of his milk cows, which were burnt. AX INDEPENDENT SPIRIT.

It was mooted that a subscription should lie got up in the district to assist the family in a slight way. IMore it assumed definite shape, however, it reached the ears of Mr. Duggnn. who, with his usual independence, politely but firmly intimated that it would not bo acceptable. While New Zealand possesses families of this stamp, we need not four future enemies. GOVERNMENT ASSTSTAXCK. ' "Mr .11. Okoy. M.P.. hag received thft following wire from .Sir Joseph Ward in reply to his wire asking for assistance: '"T am very sorry to learn from your telegram of the damage which is resultins: from bush fires in the southern part of your district. T need hardly say that any urgent case brought before Government will have favorable consideration."