The Bush Fires.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1603, 8 January 1886, Page 4

The Bush Fires.

(per united prkss association.) Masterton, Thursday. The town this morning is enveloped m smoke, but the wind having ceased, the fires are not spreading. At Mania a large area of bush and: grass has been burnt, and it is reported that one settler lost a large number of. sheep. News conies from Taueru that the township is surrounded by bush fires, and the bridge and hotel are m danger, the last named beiner protected by wet blankets. Nelson, Thursday. There are. large bush fires m the district and the atmosphere is full of smoke. In the Clark and Molupiko Valley a fire is raging tor 30 miles, and the West Coast coach had to put back to-day, being unable to get through. ChhISTCHURCH, Thursday. By a tussock fire at Eakaia yesterday, fifteen acres of barley belonging to a farmer named Harrison was destroyed by fire, and a clean sweep made of the fences and pasturage for miles. The fire is supposed to have been caused by a farmer starting to burn the tussocks. • Hawera, Friday. News from Stratford report .that the ■fires have not revived, but all is blackness and desolation for miles. All fences haye A gone and the sutlers' cat'tle have got away m the back. cqah try, their recovery being almost hdpeless. N Most df the homeless who were brought to Hawer have been removed to New Plym'buth, but some who are badly injured remain behind until medical treatment is obtained. A subscription, list has been started m Havvera and the ladies of Hawera and Manaia are busily at work making clothes for: the people, most.of whom are "absolutely penniless and naked.