Disastrous Bush Fires

Feilding Star, Volume VII, Issue 86, 31 December 1885, Page 3

Disastrous Bush Fires

TEBBIBLE DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY. THREE TOWNSHIPS AEE NOW THREATENED. A. NUMBER OF SETTLERS EEN- \ DERED HOMELESS. ram mrrrxD pbess association. Nafibb, December 30. Bush fires continue to spread in all directions, and there are almost hourly of homesteads burned, stock destroyed, and large tracts of grass landdeTastated. The smoke hangs orer the country like a black pall, making it nearly as dark as night. It is impossible to ascertain definitely the damage done in more remote districts. The township of Makatoku is surrounded, and to-day 50 yolunteer firemen, with an engine and other appliances, left Napier for that township, to endeavor to save property. The Gorernment. gave free passes to the firemen, and ran a special train. When the last train left Makatoku at 2 o'clock to-day the country was obscured by .smoke; nothing could be aeon; but it is known that at least twelve houses in and near the township, as well as Grundries' large sawmill, had been totally destroyed, and news was brought of fresh fires having broken out. The Herald's special correspondent at Makatoku telegraphs at 10 o'clock to-night that the brigade and engines arrived at 8.45 o'clock. There was at the time of the despatch of the message no wind, and the fire was not spreading, but fears were entertained that if the wind rose again the railway station and many other buildings will go. The schooLhouse is threatened, and the fire is raging round Parsons' mill, but communication is cut off by fire. Very little waier is available, and the brigade are utterly unable to cope with the fire, which is raging over an area of six square miles. The firemen are at present directing their attention to saving the buildings most threatened. Later. The bush fires are still spreading. There was no wind last night, and the fires abated. The Napier firemen who went to Makatoku with an engine succeeded in making the township safe and returned to town this morning. Before they arrived, however, telegrams were sent to recall them, the wind having risen and carried the fire towards Kuusewood, a considerable township. They went back with more : appliances and a second engine. A: > latest advices four houses and a largi sawmill owned by Mr Silbermuu at Norsewood had been* destroyed, and the fires were still spreading, Ormuud ville being now threatened. Funds are being raised in Napier for the homeless settlers, numbers of whom have lost everything they possessed in the world. Few of the smaller settlers were insured, but in the general confusion and excitement it is impossible to ascertain accurately.