TERRIBLE EXPERIENCES

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

TERRIBLE EXPERIENCES

PITIABLE CONDITION OF REFUGEES. By Telceraph—Press Association. Palmorston Nortti, March 19. A Manawatu "Daily Times" reporter motored from Palmerston to Tailiaps, and reports that the country between Mangaweka and Taihape was a mass of Sanies over thousands of acres; - but settlers have gathered in most of the stock, and the damage is not likely to be great. Indeed, the country will be benefited to a largo extent. The reporter was .present ,when the refugees from Raetihi arrived at Taihape. Most of them were suffering severely from injury to the oyes, and many were quite blind. They tell a moving story of their experiences. The fire swooped down on the town with extraordinary suddenness, propelled by a gala so fierce J that motor-cars wore blown' off tho road, and i burning branohes of trees were flung | in all directions for unbelievable distances, spreading tho conflagration. | The people, terror-sti icken, were put- | ting up a good light, but houso after house _ was destroyed, including tho Catholic and English churches .wd residences, the Police Station, and some few isolated nouses only were / left standing .and still in danger. Many women hid their children in culverts. Some lay on the ground for hours in olankets, breathing thjough wet handkerchiefs, and several stood knee-deep in creeks to- escape the flames. Several were badly scorched, and the majority have lost their all, and are in a pitiable condition, and urgently need relief.

The Auckland express had a narrow 'escape. A goods train passed over the culvert going north just before the express was due. Suddenly it was discovered that tho woodwork superstructure was aflame. One of the trucks took fire before the train was placed out of the danger zone. The express was stopped and kept at Horopito flag station all night. Tlie passengers, including Sir James Alien and many prominent military men, who made themselves as comfortable as possible, though greatly incommoded by the- heat.

News regarding Ohalninc- is inconclusive. Powell's Process Works, and Colliery and Sons' Mills have been destroyed, and at least eighteen houses. Others are in jeopardy'. An enormous conflagration raged at Rangata.ua. Many small settlers lost their all.

Over the whole area much stock was destroyed.

Telegraph and telephone communication was cut off, precluding, further details. Heavy rain f«ll at Taihane to-night, and the indications of relief are satisfactory.