FIRE IN FLAX SWAMP

Hokitika Guardian, 9 April 1931, Page 2

FIRE IN FLAX SWAMP

TEN THOUSAND TONS OF LEAF DESTROYED. AUCKLAND, April 7. After destroying 660 acres of standing flax, a fire which broke out last Friday is still burning in the swamp at Torehape, Hauraki Plains. The outbreak, which occurred at C. AY. Ingram’s mill, destroyed between 9,000 and 10,000 tons of millable leaf, which will take between four and five years to replace and was estimated to be worth £12,000

Air Ingram said the fire started on the northern boundary of the property about nine o’clock on. Friday morning, and swept right through the flax area, which was in one large swamp, within three hours. There was a strong northerly wind, and although the outbreak was detected soon after it commenced, there was no chance of stopping it. Twenty-five men employed at the mill were called out to cut firebreaks in tho swamp l , but the flames travelled through the dry pent and flax faster than they could work. The men were forced to retreat and make a further attempt, but before they could cut another break the fire had reached them. Gradually they were forced back until the flames had swept through tho whole property. The fire travelled along a front of over a mile, and the men. could not check it. The area was considered one of the most valuable in New Zealand, having produced in one season ns much a» 380 tons of hemp, vnlued at £II,OOO. It will now be necessary to close the mill for at least four years, while 25 men will be rendered unemployed. The previous mill on the same pro. perty was burned in, 1918.