BUSH FIRES IN THE KIWITEA.

Feilding Star, Volume III, Issue 62, 20 January 1883, Page 3

BUSH FIRES IN THE KIWITEA.

— ♦— The recent bush fires have been very destructive in the Kiwitea. During a recent visit we noticed that the fences on the side of the road had suffered considerably. The new barbed wire fences of Mr Kidd having been injured, and the snake fence of Mr Fred Bryce almost completely destroyed. The damage done to the forest timber is also considerable, and can never be estimated. All hands were at work endeavoring to stay the progress of the flames or to turn it from its path, but their efforts seemed to be of little avail, as the gentle breezes which prevailed were just sufficiently strong to afford a draught which had the effect of sweeping the fire through, the gullies and over the undulations of the land without any great violence, but with a persistance that was irresistible. Most of the creeks appeared to be completely parched up, and generally the water was very deficient for domestic purposes even. All the cattle visible in remarkably good condition — "rolling fat" is the only proper expression that can be used— and they bore visible testimony to the fertility of the soil. On a section of land formerly owned by Mr Harcourt there was obtained a root of oats from which sprung five stems, the average length of which was 7ft. 3in., each head being heavily laden with seed. One fact is well worthy of notice, and it is that however severe a drought may be, cattle never can suffer much from it owing to the excellent supply of succulent food which will always obtain on this land. We are of opinion that the bush clearing in the Kiwitea is somewhat too indiscriminate, and settlers who are now all too eager to destroy their timber, will, in a very few years, bitterly regret their present action. Not only will the destruction of the trees have the effect of changing the climate, and lessening the

rain supply, but timber suitable for building purposes, fencing, and firewood, will become expensive luxuries, instead of being a part of the ordinary requisites obtainable on the lands of the farm. However difficult it may be to isolate a portion of the forest on each estate, and preserve it from fire, yet the attempt should be made, and in after years the full benefit will be realized. Ten per cent would be ample to preserve for all purposes, and a selection could be made of a block which only contained timber fit for use. We hope, for the sake of the future of this magnificent district, to see our suggestion acted on. At present, although settlement is only beginning, it is truly a land literally flowing with " milk and honey," the wild bees being very plentiful, and their winter hoards easily obtainable.