BUSH FIRES RAGE NEAR GISBORNE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18585, 10 October 1928, Page 14

BUSH FIRES RAGE NEAR GISBORNE.

GALE FANS FLAMES ON SEVERAL STATIONS. Per Pre*i Association. GISBORNE, October 9. j Before, a gale with a velocity of fifty j miles an hour fires raged for hours to- 1 day through fallen bush logs, on several stations near Wharerata Hill, about thirty miles south of Gisborne. The locality of the origin of the fire is unknown, but it first assumed big proportions this morning on the Te Kopua Station, owned by the East Coast Native Land Commission. Fanned by the gale, the flames spread rapidly over a large area of bush-covered land. At noon to-day it was estimated that two thousand acres were burning, the stations worst affected being Te Kopua and the properties of Messrs W. Torrie and G. Torrie, with Messrs W. Pitmer’s and J. West's properties being damaged to a less extent. It is considered that the fire started as a result of a bush bum out about a. fortnight ago. and. fanned by the howling gale increased rapidly in intensit3 r . At Te Kopua Station hundreds of acres were blaring and the fencing and sheep-pens were burned. Fears are entertained for the safety of the stock and cattle which have not been seen since the fire started, but helpers cannot get out to them and the damage is unknown. At Mr W. Torrie’s much fencing was also destroyed. In one paddock three hundred ewes and lambs were grazing and also fifty to sixty cattle. The fire passed right through this paddock and it is feared that alt, or a great majority. are lost. Parties went out late this afternoon, but could not get near the spot owing to smoke and burning logs. At Mr G. Tome’s one hundred and fifty acres were burnt, but the extent of the damage is not known. Mr J. West’s property a.lso suffered, but no great damage is anticipated there. During the morning Mr A. Tarr. manager of Te Kopua Station, and several employees left the homestead to assist in the removal of stock. They were absent several hours and anxiety was evidenced for their safety, but late in the afternoon they returned to the homestead. Mr Tarr had a narrow escape, for he was on the edge of last year's burn when the flames en tered it, and in half an hour the flames had gone through the fallen trees showering sparks on the dry undergrowth. Fortunately Mr Tarr was near the green bush on the Gisborne waterworks reservoir and entered this haven, making his way by a circuitous route to safety, and picking up his party, which had followed him, on the way home.

A big bush fire was also experienced on Messrs R. C. Fisken and W. D. and

FT. Harris's station, on the other side ] of Wharerata Hill, towards Oputama. The damage done is not available, but it is definitely known that no stock has been lost.

Early to-night the wind dropped considerably and all fires were gradually dying out.