SERIOUS FLAX FIRE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1522, 14 March 1916, Page 3

SERIOUS FLAX FIRE.

LARGE AREA DESTROYED

On Saturday about 400 acres of flax-bearing land at Shannon, the property of Mr C. H. Speirs, was swept by fire, the whole area being destroyed. The settlers in that district have of late been “burning” and it is understood that the fire on the adjoining, property, owned by Mr Wall, spread to Mr Speirs flax area during Saturday afternoon. At this time there was only one man at the mill, the rest of the hands being away at the trades’ union picnic at Ashhurst. Mr Speirs wns also absent, having gone to Wellington. The majority of the hands from the other mills in the district were also at the picnic, but those who were near were got together and an attempt made to check the flames. There was a fairly strong wind blowing and although every effort was made to get the fire under control they were unsuccessful and the whole block was destroyed. The fire also spread on to the A. and L. Seifert Flaxdressing Co’s, property, but the damage done there was comparatively small.

Mr Speirs is a very heavy loser as the flax that was destroyed was well grown leaf and he was at present cutting' in the block. It is estimated that from 2000 to 3000 tons were burnt so that ou present values the loss is in the vicinity of .£SOOO.