BUSH CLEARING FIRE

Evening Star, Issue 19784, 7 February 1928, Page 3

BUSH CLEARING FIRE

GLAZE BREAKS CONTROL ' MILL AND FOUR HOUSES DESTROYED. [Per United Press Association.] INVERCARGILL, February 6. A fire which was started on Sunday morning about half a mile from Tuatapero for the purpose of clearing bush got out of control later in the day owing to the strong north-west wind that was blowing, The lire spread rapidly, and soon reached the old saw-mill. The mill was burned to the ground, and four cottages in the vicinity were also reduced to cinders. The residents at the edge of the bush had an anxious time in the afternoon, but fortunately the wind changed and the flames were carried past the houses.

STABLES AND SHOP BURNED

MARTON, February 6,

Eire early on Sunday morning destroyed the stables of Mr Clarke, carrier, ut Hunterville, and severely damaged a tailor’s shop owned by Mr W. Hodge and the offices of the Farmers’ Distributing Company. The Haines had a strong hold when they were discovered, aud, as the buildings were very old and as dry as tinder, there was little chance of saving the contents, which included two motor cars, a motor lorry, a motor cycle, several gigs, and a quantity of stable equipment. The firemen were able to keep the flames in check. Apart from the damage to the premises named there was no further damage, and the loss to Messrs Clarke and Hodge and the Farmers’ Company, which is considerable, is covered by insurance. The flames lit the country for miles around, and. despite Hie early hour, a large crowd gathered. The fire raged for several hours. The total damage is estimated at £3,000. . SHOP DESTROYED IN MOSGIEL. The shop occupied by Mr K. M'Ncil, grocer, in Gordon road, Mosgiel, was destroyed by lire early this morning. The tire had done its work before the brigade were summoned, and the stock and building were badly damaged. The building was not an old one, having only been erected a few years ago. It was owned by Mr Thomas Williams, Mosgiel.