EIRE AT DIAMOND HARBOUR

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21412, 2 March 1935, Page 14

EIRE AT DIAMOND HARBOUR

A Houses Narrowly Escape PLANTATION AND FENCES BURNED The most serious fire since the settlement was formed occurred at Diamond Harbour yesterday. Starting about midday, the flames swept a large area, destroying the greater part of a plantation of more than 1000 young pine trees, owned by the Lyttelton Borough Council, and damaging fences on private properties. Several houses had a very narrow escape from being burnt. The outbreak started from near the water's edge, by the old jetty on the south side of the bay, and was caused accidentally by some boys who were boiling a picnic billy.

Three cars of Purau residents arrived at an early stage, and these men, all experienced in dealing with grass fires, gave valuable aid. Two ambulance men, who were present, attended to 25 cases during the afternoon. The lire-fighters were supplied with tea and refreshments by the residents. The Lyttelton Borough Council arranged for two men to remain on patrol all last night. The (lames climbed the dry grass up the hillside, and, with a light air from the south-west, worked towards the big gully above the beach, at the same time spreading up as far as the main road near the golf links. It was stopped from crossing the road by residents and otuers. armed with beaters. There were only four relief workers at the bay. and these, with the foreman, worked strenuously to check the flames. They were assisted by large parties of beys from the Boys' High School, who worked willingly and to good purpose. From two cottages which were threatened, the bovs "removed all the furniture to safety across the road. They also worked at beating out the fire. Reinforcements, consisting of relief workers and council workers, arrive.' from Lvttolton by launch at a later stage, and it was with this extra help that the outbreak was finally subdued. Houses Surrounded by Flames At l.d p.m. the fire was at its height, having reached the thick scrub and undergrowth in the big gullv above the beach. The flames roared up the gully and burnt bare the hillside surrounding the lvm--" of Mr A. G. Sinclair, but was checked a few feet inside the fence. Only the fact that it is built of Poilite and is situated on an outcrop of rock saved a cottage at the top of the gully, owned by Miss Alexander. The cottage was completely surrounded by the flames, within a few feel, of Ihe walls. Shrubs and llowors in the garden were destroyed. Other houses which were threatened were these of Mr IT. J. Beck. Mr J. Weld. Dr. B. 11. Gilmour, and Mr J. 11. Collins. liuckct Brigade Formed A large force ef fire-fighter.--, gathered on the rocky outcrop below the houses of Dr. Gilmour and Mr Collins, to prevent the fire from crossing into the main plantation of large pine trees. Had the fire once obtained a good hold in these trees, it mud have swept the whole of the recreation area. For some time Ihe position looked very sjrious. the flames being within a few feet of the trees. The position was made dangerous for those working at the fire from below and i'or the spectators there, by falling reeks, caused by the burning of the undergrowth. Just as it. seemed that the lire had beaten the men and boys, the wind changed to a light easterly, retarding Ihc progress of the flames. At the same time a bucket brigade

of boys was formed, who, using every kind of receptacle that would hold water, passed the water along a long line from the tank on the roof of a nearby cottage to the men at the? fire. This was the dceidi/ng effort., and shortly afterwards the fire was quenched. While the fire had been spreading to the settlement, it had also spread in the other direction, travelling along the spurs towards the quarry point. It was retarded in a reeky gully, where the fire-fighters were fortunate in finding a large pool in the creek-bed. The water was used on the fire with good effect, and the outbreak finally subdued lioys Lose Clothes Owing to the rapidity with which the Hames travelled m the early stages of the fire, several of the High School boys who had left their clothes on the hillside and in the gully above the beach while they oathed, lost all their clothes. Some clothing was lent by other boys and the boys ri turned to the city in bathing costumes and what garments they could borrow. Some of the bovs and men sulfered from burns and bruises, and one boy had his hand injured by a piece of falling rock. Although the lire was serious and did much damage, it was not without its benefits. The thick growth of g'.-r.se and scrub in the main gullv has been cleared, and 1 hero is now no further danger from Ihat area. The gully, which was formerly a wilderness. will be available for planting wilh trees and shrub.?. The young trees destroyed on- the spur below the golf links will probably be replaced. Ci;n,i)iu;.vs iio.mk damaged I HE.iS ASSOCIATION ria.l'.Ull.v.'J.) DUNEDIN. March 1.

Fire, which fortunately was supin essed in its early stages, broke out la-1 evening ; t the Salvation Army's children's home at Anderson's Bay. The fire started in the play room. The children were quickly marshalled outside and, with the officials, had removed most of the accessible furniture when the brigades arrived. The only damage was to the ceiling and rafters.