DEVASTATED BY FIRE

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 98, 19 January 1935, Page 4

DEVASTATED BY FIRE

10,000 Acres of Waikato Pasture Land BATTLE AGAINST FLAMES By Telegraph.—Press Association. Hamilton, January 18. Approximately 10,000 acres of P as " ture land in the Waikato has been desolated by encroaching peat fires, and a further serious outbreak yesterday brings the estimated damage to approximately £15,000. In addition to the thousands of acres under fire at Te Hoe and Newstead, there were fresh outbreaks at Eureka and Te Rapa yesterday. The farmers are fighting what seemingly is a losing battle against the flames. The whole countryside seems to be ablaze at Eureka. It is estimated that more than 3000 acres have been destroyed in this block. Up to the present one dwelling has been destroyed, the cottage of Mr. E. L. Burr, a share-milk6r, at Newstead. An onerous task is undertaken by a settler who watches all day to see that the flames do not spread to an adjoining rich pasture property. This is tinder-dry, and only a spark is needed to kindle a fire which would wipe out dozens of farms and dwellings. Yesterday the fire spread on to the fertile farm of the Bryant House trustees, Te Rapa. Speedily it encroached and came within a few yards of the aerodrome. As a precaution, two Gipsy Moths, owned by the Waikato branch of the Auckland Aero Club, were moved to another aerodrome some miles away. Nearly 40 men, under Mr. D. V. Bryant, the founder of the Land Settlement Society and the immigration scheme, fought hour after hour against the spread of the flames. Trenches were dug and trucks were sent out from Hamilton carrying water, and the borough council’s water-tank, with a. capacity of 1000 gallons, was also used. Late at night the progress of the fire was arrested, but 30 acres were damaged. This morning a thick fog, accentuated by the smoke from fires raging round the town, made for unpleasant conditions in Hamilton, the visibility being limited to a few yards, considerably hindering traffic. HOUSES THREATENED Outbreaks in Hawke’s Bay Dominion Special Service. Waipukurau, January 18. (Serious grass fires occurred at Takapau Road, travelling along one mile and a half frontage. , Houses were threatened, and only by ploughing round them was their destruction prevented. ” Mr. A. E. Jull, M.P, for Waipawa, has wired to the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, complaining of the great damage being done by sparks from engines. Mr. Forbes has replied that he is making urgent inquiries.