BUSH AND FLAX FIRES

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2333, 15 December 1914, Page 7

BUSH AND FLAX FIRES

HEAVY LOSSES IN DANNEVIRKE DISTRICT. Dannevirke, December 14. The worst tire experienced for years in the Ngapaoruru' district took place on Saturday and Sunday. The flames, fanned by gales, spread with amazing rapidity, and settlers had no time to remove stock. The losses reported run into thousands, and the fires aro still raging, extending over the whole block. I'urther heavy losses aro certain to occur. LATER REPORTS. Dannevirke, December 14. Reports of the grass fires in the Ngapaeruru district show that hardly one settler escaped without loss of 6tock. The mortality in sheep is said: to bo particularly heavy, as, owing to the rapidity with which the flames spread, sottlers were unable to muster and remove them from the danger zone. Mr. J. Curtis, one settler who attempted to round up his sheep, had to abandon about 1000, and was glad to escape with his life.- •,• - ■ ■ ... .... The losses are reported to range from 8000 in one instance to a comparative few.. In addition to stock, miles of fencing was destroyed, also three bridges on the country road's were burnt out, while settler lost his woolshed and wool, which at the lowest estimate was worth £500 LOG AND GRASS FIRES. (By 'JMssrrapn,—Press Association.) Clsbome, December 14. A large area in the Mangapoike district has been swept by log and grass fires. Several homesteads have been endangeredj and settlors have been np day and night watching buildings and stock, but no damage has been sustained. ' FIRE IN A FLAX SWAMP. Carterton, December 14. Fire swept over a portion of the Mangahuaia flax swamp at N Longbush,, where Toogood's mill is working. The standing crop at present being cut was not touched, but the flax cut three years ago and growing again was badly scorched up.