BUSH FIRES.

Wellington Independent, Volume VI, Issue 559, 19 February 1851, Page 2

BUSH FIRES.

For these last few days, a considerable degree of alarm has been created in j the minds of the country settlers, lor the safety of their houses and crops, from the extensive fires that have been raging with fearful rapidity in various localities in the vicinity of Wellington. Some of the settlers on the Porirua Road have been great sufferers, having in some instances lost their houses, their clothes, and part of their standing crops of corn. At one time, the Episcopal Church at Johnsonsville was in imminent danger of being destroyed, but by the strenuous exertions of the settlers the fire was prevented from communicating with the building. At Karori, also, the greatest alarm has been entertained; and if it had not been foi the promptitude with which the settlers turned out, to assist in stopping the progress of the devouring element, Mr. Justice Chapman's residence would certainly have fallen a prey to it. As it was, the whole of that gentleman's books, furniture. &c, had to be removed, and the greatest anxiety -was felt for the result, until 11 o'clock at night,—the settlers straining every nerve and using all their endeavours to prevent its ini-oads, which we are glad to say were ultimately crowned with success. But a settler of the name of Michael Dixon was not so fortunate. On Monday morning, Mr. Dixon left Karori for Wellington, and on his return, had the mor--tification to witness his house., nnd alj it contained, consumed by fire. His loss is estimated at about £50. Mr. Kempton, at Ghiro, has also suffered to some extent, having had 128 cords of wood burned, and only saved his houses with great difficulty, by covering them with wet blankets. The Settlers ought now to be very careful how they light bush

fires, for, from the extraordinary~dr"' weather that has lately -been prevalent in this district, it is unknown to where it may lead,.or what amount of damage m »l .he done by it ° v