FLAX DESTROYED BY FIRE

Hokitika Guardian, 13 April 1931, Page 2

FLAX DESTROYED BY FIRE

FRONT A AIILE LONG. HEAVY BLOW TO AIILLING INDUSTRY. AUCKLAND, April 10. Between 9,000 and 10,000 tons o, millable flax leaf, valued at approximately ,£12,000, has been destroyed b.v fire on the Hauraki Plains. Some 00!) acres of flax were affected and it was reported to the Smith Auckland Lands Department yesterday that the fire was still burning in the pent swamp. An officer of the Department stationed at Paeroa lias been instructed to proceed to the scene and make a full report. Fully twenty five men have been 'thrown out of employment, and the owner. Mr C. W. Ingram, estimates that it will bo at least four years before lie will be able to reopen his mill. The area was considered one of the most valuable In the Dominion, having produced in one season as much as 380 tons of hemp, valued at £II,OOO. A mill on the same property was destroved in 1918.

Tile location of the swamp and null is at Torohape, nine miles from Wainknmru. The fire commenced on the northern boundary and swept right through tip. fla x area within three hours. Although the outbreak was Immediately detected there was no chance of cheeking it, on account of the strong northerly wind widen was blowing at the time. The twenty-five men employed at the mill did their utmost to save the means of their livelihood by cutting fire breaks; but the flames travelled too fast through the dry peat and flax. The lire covered a front over a mile long. A settler’s house was menaced, hut a change of wind saved it. The mill and plant were not in danger as they are sixty chains away from the swamp. The cause of the outbreak is unknown as none of the neighbours had been engaged in burning operations for the past two months. Subsequent to the flax fire the peat and old timber in the swamp caught alight, It is thought that the outbreak will not be finally suppressed till heavy and continuous rain falls over the nrea.