Bush Fires at Poverty Bay.

Manawatu Herald, 13 January 1903, Page 2

Bush Fires at Poverty Bay.

On Friday th# Morere oorreepofl* dent of the Herald telegraphs that the country around Morere is one immense bush fire, which is being fanned by a strong westerly wind, -Settlers aw haying a moat trying experience, their homesteads being surrounded by burning trees, the sparks from which keep falling on the roofs of the dwellings. The sight of the burning trees is most beautiful to watch at night for those nob interested. Mr Coop is stated to be a heavy loser, haying lost 8000 sheep and all his outbuildings; also,, the timber sawn for his new house. .Reassuring reports as to the bush fires have been received from Morere. It is believed that the loss will not be nearly so great as was at first feared.

Numerous exciting adventures are reported. The mail coach which arrived from Morere on Friday morning, had a rough time. The coach left Wairpa on Thursday morning. All went well till it got past Nuhaka township. Prom thence to Morere hot springs the country on both aides of the road was on fire. The was stifling and the smoko suffocating so that it was impossible to see ahead. Big tress were falling with a crash terrifying the horses, and it was only by careful driving' that they were persuaded to keep on the track. The coach reached Morere at 8 o’clock, and the journey to Gisborne was continued on Friday morning. Burning trees on the track being removed, the coach poshed through with all haste. It was lucky the driver did so as the fire sprang up again behind him. Fires in the Motu district necessitated some families burying their furniture. In one ease the ladies had to flee to the green bush.