BUSH FIRE AT TE AROHA

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 123, 22 February 1928, Page 10

BUSH FIRE AT TE AROHA

4 BIG AREA LAID WASTE By Telegraph — press Association Hamilton, February 21. As the result of a fire, about 900 acres of heavy native bush and dense fern country has either been completely laid waste or irreparably demaged at Wairongomai, nea Te Aroha. Yesterday afternoon the flames commenced about four miles from the town, and progressed to within a mile of Te Aroha itself. It was the largest outbreak in the district within memory, and is believed to have originated from the carelessness of blackberry pickers, who had been boiling a billy in the neighbourhood. Many head of cattle had a close call, and great stretches of fencing were destroyed. Only the direction of the wind saved a disastrous conflagration, although serious damage has already been done. LOSSES OF STOCK. Pahiatua, February 21. Bush and scrub fires started in the Pnketoi ranges and spread to the Makuri-Coonoor district. They swept a wide stretch of country, and losses of stock are reported to have been suffered by D. McCarthy and Hansen Bros. The Makuri scenic reserve was also swept, also Hansen’s plantation. The fire’went over a portion of the properties of Messrs. Ryan, H. Dillon, R. B. Robertson, and T. Russell. There have been very narrow escapes of dwellings and farm buildings. Mr. T. Ross, ot Coonoor, had a fire-fighting party all night round his woolshed until it was saved. Mr. Rhodes’s house was also in danger. COTTAGE DESTROYED. Napier, February 21. Fire gutted a tliree-roomcu cottage owned ami occupied by Mr. Oscar Mather. The building was insured for £5OO, and the furniture for £lOO, in the Dominion office. SAWMILL DESTROYED. Auckland, February 21. Late last night lire destroyed a large sawmill at Orcre, about 12 miles from Clevedon. The damage to the mill, which is owned by Cashmore and Sons, of Herne Bay, is estimated as between £3OOO and £-1000. There was no insurance. When Mr. Cashmore left the mill to return to town about 11 o'clock last night, everything was in order and there was no suspicion of fire. The mill hands were awakened some time later by the flames which had then a good hold. Nothing could be done to save the machinery, but the flames were kept awav from the sawn timber. The cause of the fire is unknown. There are sixteen men employed at the mill. It is hoped to have a part of the machinery in working order again in a few days when most of the bauds will resume work. The need for protection against fire loss is obvious Consult the Mercantile and General Insurance Company Ltd., Panama Street, Wellington.— Advt.