Terrible Fires in Hawke's Bay.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1596, 31 December 1885, Page 2

Terrible Fires in Hawke's Bay.

{UNITED PBK.SB ASSOCIATION.") NAPIER, Wednesday. Bush fir«s continue to spread in all directions, and almost hourly reports arrive of homesteads burned, stock destroyed, and large tracts of grass land devastated. Smoke hangs over the country like a black pall, making it nearly as dark as night, and it is impossible to ascertain definitely the damage done in the more remote districts. The township of Makataku is surrounded, and yesterday fifty volunteer firemen, with an engine and other appliances, left Napier for that township, to endeavour to save property. Government gave free passes to firemen and ran a special train When the last train left Makatak'i at 2 o'clock yesterday, the country was obscured by unoke. Nothing could be seen, but it was known that at least twelve houses in and near the township, as well as Gundries' large sawmill had been totally destroyed, and news was brought of, fresh fires having broken out. The Herald's special correspondent at Makataku telegraphs at 10 o'clock last night that the brigade and engine arrived at 8.45. There was at the time of the despatch of tb» message no wind, and the fire .was not spreading, but fears were entertained that if the wind rose again the railway station and many other buildings would go. The sclioolhou.«e was threatened, and fire was raging round Parson's mills, but communication was cut off by fire. Verylittle water was available, and the brigade were utterly unable to cope with the fire, which was raging over an area of six square miles. The firemen are at present directing their attention to saving the buildings most threatened.