BUSH FIRES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2103, 31 January 1908, Page 2

BUSH FIRES.

MAN ALMOST BURNT TO

DEATH

Press Association

NELSON :

Jan. 29,

A somewhat serious bush lire is raging in Aniseed Valley at the copper mine. Tlio men’s tents at the United Mine site were burnt out, and for live days the men were fighting the flames. The fire is not yet endangering the manager’s house, but a change of wind may alter the aspect of affairs. Further reports yesterday 'show that a disastrous fire is raging on Mr. Rockfort’s property, Motupiko. Messrs. Newport Bros, and Coleman Bros.’ houses and farm buildings are still in great danger. A heavy wind is blowing and spreading the fires over a still larger tract of country. Gallant work is being done by a large band of fire-fighters. At Coleman Bros.’ farm one of the men. F. Savage, endeavoring to turn the fire from the swamp, was almost burnt to death, being got out with much difficultv.

SAWMILL AND' PLANT DESTROYED.

Pre6s Association

NELSON, Jan. 30

As a result of the continuous dry weather, Messrs. Downie Bros.’ sawmill, Murchison, Central Buller, caught fire this forenoon. The planing and drying sheds were completely gutted, but the mill, shed, and engine were saved with great difficulty. The loss is heavy, as the owners are uninsured, and includes a large stock of seasoned timber, planing, machine, tools, etc. Clouds are banking up, and tliero is some appearance of a much desired change in the weather.

BiU LOSSES

Press Association

INVERCARGILL, Jan. 29. The bush fires which have been burning in Otautau district for a week caused serious damage on Wednesday, when several dwelling-houses at Harrington Bros, and the. Southland Timber Company’s mills were destroyed. The former’s loss is estimated at £ISOO, and the latter at £SOO. Both mills will be closed for a month to effect repairs.

RAIN CHECKS THE FLAMES.

Press Association

-DUNEDIN, Jan. 30. About 300 acres of bush were destroyed by the fires at Waipori. It was at first feared that the corporation sawmill had been'destroyed, but it has been found that it lias escaped. Heavy rain started early this morning, and continued throughout the day, effectually checking the flames, and no further damage is anticipated. The long spell of dry weather in the city was broken to-niglit, when heavy rain fell for some time. Reports from the country districts indicate that tlie fall is general.