Fires in Greytown.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume XX, Issue 2052, 6 April 1887, Page 2

Fires in Greytown.

Ou Monday a bush fire started in Wilkie's bush to the southwest of Greytown and spread from thence to the bush known as Humphries'. There was a strong wind blowing and the work of destruction amongst the timber was rapid. Though needing to be watched it was not thought dangerous as there were no houses iu close proximity, but these bush Pres, fanned with a good wind, are very treacherous, aud yesterday morning it was evident that iheto would be destruction to dwellings as it bad found its way across <l. Mead’s property arid was burying all the dead fallen timhei and stumps in a iiue towards Enrntiwhiti street. During the forenoon a report was brought up to Greytown that Mr It. -I. Thompson's new dwelling was in jeopardy, and the firebell soon drew the Brigade and a laige number of persona in the direction of Kuratiwhiti. It was then fouud that a shed stacked with hay, the p-nperty of Mr Saywoli, had caught aud was being consumed. Sparks were flying in all directions and the residence of Mr Walden and Mr Charles Hawke caught fire on more than one occasion. About 200 persons and the File Brigade were working in all directions, demolishing outhouses aud fences, and removing everything that would feed the flames. Mr Thompson’s house appeared to be doomed, but great efforts were made to save it, fortunately with success. As it was, all the furniture had to be removed to a place of safety. The wind blew furiously, and it was almost impossible at times to tight against this element alone. The smoke was blinding, but the Brigade and citizens generally worked with an earnest desire to save the property in the neighborhood Thanks to the Brigade all danger was passed at 5 o'clock, Whila everybody -roe in iUa Kuratiwhiti street the school bell rang out another alarm of fire and the school children hurried to the street. It was then found that the chimney at Captain Boys' bouse in Frederick street had caught fire and a spark had lodged under the shingles, starting a fire. The Rev Mr Ward was soon upon the spot and he got upon the roof of the verandah where he was supplied with water and a disastrous conflagration averted. Strange to say two other cbimnies in different parts of the town caught tire about the same time, but they were soou extiu guished. On Monday night the strong wind set the whole of the fallen timber on Mr Banatt's property at Moroa on fire, aud on two or three occasions the outbuildings caught. It was only by keeping a sharp look out and carrying a good supply of water that a serious fire in this quarter was averted.