STATE PLANTATION SWEPT BY FIRE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19267, 2 January 1931, Page 15

STATE PLANTATION SWEPT BY FIRE.

TREES AT HOKITIKA SUFFER MUCH DAMAGE. (Special to the “Star.”) HOKITIKA, December 31. Yesterday afternoon, about two o’clock, a fire occurred in the State Forest Service plantation on the Ross Road. The fire threatened at one time to have a very serious result. The outbreak occurred near where the Mananui mill tramway crosses the Ross Road. The cause of. the fire is not known. Luckily the outbreak was soon observed, and all the members of the Forest Service staff available were called on.. The fire spread rapidly amongst the bracken. For four hours the men had a hard fight before the fire was in hand, it being 7 p.m. before the danger was averted. Only one water dam was available, the creeks in the vicinity being dry. Altogether some 30 acres of the planted reserve, comprising Redwood and Pinus insignis,. were swept, by the fire, and considerable damage was done. Some of the trees were ten feet in height. A careful watch was kept during the night, there being a quantity of smouldering places that needed attention. Fine Weather For Holidays. The weather has been beautifully fine for the holidays. There are many tourists on the West Coast. A large party travelled south to the glaciers to-day, and many private cars are touring the district. There was a fair exodus to the Greymouth races to-day. Personal. Mr Jules Keller, of the staff of the National Bank, who has been transferred to Wellington, was farewelled last night by St Mary’s Club and presented with a pipe and a lighter. The death is announced of Mr Jeremiah Anderson, of Ross, after a prolonged illness. He had been a resident of the district since boyhood. His brothers are farming at Waitaha.