SERIOUS VIEW TAKEN

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21090, 16 July 1938, Page 19

SERIOUS VIEW TAKEN

Lighting of Fires Near State Forests FARMER FINED £lO By Telegraph — L ress Association AUCKLAND, July 15 The serious danger of tremendous damage being caused in State forests by fires lit near fire district boundaries without due precautions being observed was referred to by Mr C. R. Orr Walker, S.M., in the Magistrate’s Court. A charge of lighting a fire in the Riverhead State Forest Fire District without lawful authority on January 23 was denied by Frank Peter Gill, motor driver (Mr Taylor). Forest Patrolman Thomas Morrissey said the fire attracted his attention and he went to investigate it. He saw it was dangerous and went for assistance. The accused told him he had no permit because he understood he was out of bounds and did not require one. Ranger Reuben Cornwell said that when he went to the fire with a gang of men it was rapidly extending about 30 chains from the edge of the plantation. Before it was beaten out two and a half hours later, the fire was within 10ft. of the trees. Witness said he had previously investigated a fire on the accused's property and warned him that he required a written permit to light a fire in a fire district. “Thousands of pounds worth of damage to ten-year-old pine trees might have been caused had the patrolman not given an alarm for assistance in time,’’ witness added. Accused’s Evidence Accused gave evidence that he owned a property about half a mile from the forest boundary and was engaged in clearing a fire break about 20 chains from the plantation when the patrolman rode up to him. It was then a small fire and could have been put out immediately if he had been ordered to do so. While talking to the patrolman it spread into the next property and finally reached the roadline on the edge of the plantation.

‘lt is a serious matter to light a fire in the neighbourhood of a State forest, especially in the summer months,” said the Magistrate. “Tremendous damage might have been done but for the prompt arrival of assistance. Owing to the very serious nature of the offence I must impose a penalty that will sheet this fact home to owners of property in the vicinity of forests.” The defendant was fined £lO and costs, including £2/16/11, the cost to the State Forest Department of extinguishing the fire.