Heroic Children.

Manawatu Herald, 10 March 1898, Page 3

Heroic Children.

The fresh wave of heat these few days past in Melbourne (that is early in February), has caused fresh bush fires in one or two districts. At Nerim South Mr Hatton's property was saved by the plucky conduct of his children. Close to his house there are many trees, which range from 150 ft to 200 ft high. Soon all these were a mass of flame, and sparks were falling thick and fast about his dwelling house and outbuildings. For an hour or more Mr Hatton was single handed, all hia children being away at Sunday school, and he had a hard battle till they returned. Soon the children were working splendidly, one little girl (Ella), seven years, befog placed on the roof of the dairy, and for three hours she stuck to her post amidst showers of sparks and clouds of smoke. Once a spark ignited her hair and blistered the skin on her head. Her screams brought help, and it was extinguished before any serious damage was done. Still undaunted, phe stuck to her post and fought with a bravery worthy of I older persons. A sister a little older was placed on the hayshed, and thrice the hay was on fire, and thrice put out by the little girl. The pig- j stye caught several times, and was i put out and eventually saved. The dwellinghouse, also, which was being watched by the older members of the family, was saved, though several times sparks ignited ihe roof. Mr Hatton feels proud of his children, and says he owes to day his property to the bravery and good fighting of his little ones.