THE BUSH FIRES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 3783, 28 January 1908, Page 4

THE BUSH FIRES.

A Narrow Escape. Mr Chew, manager of the Nireaha Co-operative Cheese Factory, underwent an experience during the recent fires in the Eketahuna district, fraught with the greatest danger, and it is a miracle he escaped with his life. It appears, says the Express, that Mr Chew had risen at an early hour to undertake his routine duties, and while having breakfast he became conscious the fires were approaching dangerously near to his residence. He -went outside and discovered that the place was one mass of flames and that egress from the immediate vicinity of the b.hiding was impossible, owing to the suffocating smoke. In his dilemma Mr Chew rushed to the school for the purpose of procuring a spade. He entered the building, but while inside the door closed and made him a prisoner. The school at this time was in flames, and Mr Che a’s position was precarious in the extreme. With the aid of the spade Mr Chew managed to shatter the door and escape from his prison. On emerging he found the teacher’s residence ablaze and no ■ loophole or escape presented itself. About half way between the school and the teacher’s residence Mr Chew set to work to dig a pit, which eventually was to prove his salvation. The pit was about two feet deep and in diameter sufficient to enable a man to curl himself up like a dog. Mr Chew, who took the precaution to moisten his clothes, remained in this precarious refuge for about five hours, and was eventually rescued by Mr Ashdown when in a state of collapse. It was generally thought Mr Chew had perished with his house, and settlers in the meantime were anxiously searching amongst the debris for his remains.