IN OTHER DISTRICTS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XL, Issue 8, 22 February 1908, Page 11

IN OTHER DISTRICTS.

The damage caused by bush fires in •ther districts is also serious. At Opotiki, Mr. H. R. Hogg lost a large quantity of oaten hay, valued at £250. At Onewhero, near Tuakau, the bush fires are sweeping everything before them, especially at the Opuatia end of the district, and settlers have had to turn their cattle off the sections. A Dargaville telegram states that the Okapakapa Swamp, at Aoroa, is afire. A large quantity of flax has been destroyed, the property of Mr. Harding. The Oturei Swamp, at Aratapu, is also ablaze, and flax belonging to natives has been destroyed. At Buckland, as the result of sparks from a passing traction engine, a fire occurred on Mr. J. Hartland’s property, and one of the best pieces of bush which remain in the district was destroyed. The fire obtained a firm hold before it could be checked. It swept through part of a paddock of rye grass, which was in stook, destroying it, and would have reached Mr. Hartland’s residence had it not been for the strenuous efforts of the neighbours, the flames being stopped within three chains of the house. Reports from Mokai state that the fine totara bush now being milled by the Taupo Totara Timber Company is in danger of being swept away, and unless the wind changes the instruction will be very great. The Kiwitea County Council met at 0 o’clock on Feb. I.sth, and sat for only two hours, to enable councillors to get home to protect their properties from the bush fires. Cr. Guthrie stated that in the Ruahine district the fires had put baek settlers twelve months in their work, great havoc being wrought. Moore’s six-roomed house and outbuildings at Parapara have been completely destroyed. The fire swept in one sheet of flame from the creamery on the main South-road, mopping up everything before it. Settlers in the Kawhatau district had a bad time. The school buildings were saved with the utmost difficulty. The chairman of the County Council, who lives at Waitune, said his property was completely surrounded. Councillor McNeill said practically there was fire everywhere between the Rangitikei and Kiwitea rivers. RAIN IN HAWKE’S BAY. NAPIER, February 15. Light rain, practically the first since Christmas, set in during the night, and gives promise of continuing. HASTINGS, February 15. Light rain set in this morning.