BUSH FIRES IN POVERTY BAY

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11478, 10 January 1903, Page 8

BUSH FIRES IN POVERTY BAY

SOME EXCITING INCIDENTS.

{press association tklegbam.) GISBORNE, January 9.

The * "HeraJd's" Morere correspondent talegraphs that extensive bush fires are raging in tlie Kohuka North district. There are fears for heavy loss of stock and a shortage of feed. The fire yesterday caught the bush reserve and hot springs reserves. A later message states that reassuring reports have been received from Morere. It is believed that .the loss will not be nearly so great as was at first feared. Numerous exciting adventures are reported. The mail coach, which arrived from Morere this evening, had a rough time. The coach left Wairoa yesterday morning. Ail went well till it got past the Nuhaka township. From thence to the Morere hot springs the country on both sidles of the road was on fire. The heat was stifling, and the smoke suffocating. It was impossible to see ahead. &g trees were faling with a crash, terrifying the horses, and it was only by careful driving that they were persuaded to keep on the track. The coach reached Morere at 5 o'clock. The journey to Gisbome was continued this manning, burning trees on the track 'being removed. The coach pushed through with all haste, and it was lucky the driver did so, eg the fine sprung up again behind him. The fires i_ the Motu district necessitated some families burying their furniture. In one case the ladies had to seek refuge in the Green Bush- ;