IN OTHER DISTRICTS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 155, 20 March 1918, Page 6

IN OTHER DISTRICTS

BUSH AND GRASS FIRE NEAR KAI IWI STRENUOUS TIMEJOR SETTLERS 'By Telegraph—Presß AssooiatlOD. Wanganui, March 19. A big bush and grass fire is raging inland at Kai Iwi, at the Wanganui water supply works. Fanned by one of the heaviest gales experienced it is spreading towards Kai Iwi. The-tele-phone office at Okehu waterworks has been destroyed. Some settlers had a strenuous time in saving their properties. Only meagre details are available.

The Presbyterian .Church at Westmere was lifted bodily off the blocks by the gale.

The town and the whole district are shrouded in a dense pall of smoke,, which extends far out'to sea.

CATTLE KILLED AND BUILDINGS DEMOLISHED. Marton, March 19. Marton is enveloped in smoke. There is a dull, red glare in the sky. _ Busi- ' ness places are working by gaslight. The "Rangitikei Advocate's" Mangaweka correspondent telegraphs: "Tremendous gales raged all over the district during the last twenty hours, as a result of which, the bush fires are spreading extensively. The Karewairewa, Upper Kawhatau, and Utiku districts are ablaze. The police report that the Egmont Box Company's works at, OKutu aro burning and the railway is seriously menaced. Enormous damage has been done to property." Tho outside grandstand at Marton racecourse was partially demolished, the roof and the back wall swaying in the air.

Cattle are reported to have been killed in the Turakina district, trees uprooted, and sheds demolished. Ngaruhoo is reported to be in eruption.

Palmerston North, March 19.

The effects of the smoke from the eruption and the_ bush fires had unusual results in' Palmerston. The town was in serai-darkness, and -all business places were lighted by gas, candles, and lamps. It was reminiscent of tho conditions of 35 years a?o, when hush fires extended for miies about Palmerston at this time of year. Some excitement prevails, and there is a crowd round the telegraph and newspaper offices, anxious for latest particulars. Feilding, March 10. Feilding is completely enveloped in smoke, and there is uncanny darkness. All lights are being used indoors, and motor-cars are using their headlights. The sun is not visible at all. A tremendous gale is-blowing. Paliiatua, March 19. I'ahiatua had an extraordinary day, including extiting rumours of a volcanic eruption. There was much smoke, a dust storm, and a fearful gale, and rain. For a time there was semi-darkness, an oppressive atmosphere, and a strangoly coloured sky.