BUSH FIRES

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8357, 18 February 1913, Page 10

BUSH FIRES

SITUATION IN POVERTY BAY. SOME HEAVY LOSSES. Press Association. GISBORNE, February 17. The position with regard to the bush fires which have been raging in the back country 'is considerably relieved, and there is every indication that tho epidemic has about run its complete course. This is provided that the calm which prevailed to-day continues. Up at Rakauroa, Matawai, and Motu the settlers were far less anxious, and the latest word from correspondents was that the fires were burning very feebly, with tho chance of being confined to different parts. Telephonic communication was reestablished to-day on the through lines, temporary poles, etc., being utilised, although the settlers’ line at Matawai has not yet been reinstated. Rakauroa was unpleasant to be in to-day, on account of the smoke which poisoned the atmosphere. The position as far as Rakauroa is concerned was much better, and the settlers were' confident that the fires were about at an end. Advice from Matawai was similarly optimistic. Drummond’s mill was again in danger on more than one occasion during the day, but at night it was fairly safe, although a close watch is still kept. There have been some big losses of stock, etc. Mr Abbotsford Smith is considered the heaviest loser, his property between Matawai and Motu being badly swept. Telephone advice from Motu tonight gave details of an exciting incident. The Opotiki mailman was nine miles from Motu when he encountered and was suddenly surrounded py a crackling fire on the Marumoko road. He experienced a narrow escape, but, not without some injury and discomfort. Ho had several packhorses with him carrying luggage, but fortunately no mails. One packhorso loaded with passengers’ luggage was in the midst of a fire caused by the lighted twigs from a tree, and the luggage was 'damaged a good deal, and also the pack saddle, while tho horse was badly burned. The mailman succeeded in getting through with his horses and load in a state of collapse. AROUND DANNEVIRKE. SORRY PLIGHT OP MANY SMALL SETTLERS. DANNEVIRKE, February 17. Details of the losses by bush tires are now available and show that the settlers at Ruaroa were particularly heavy sufferers. Over four miles of Country were swept in this district, and tho wonder is that any houses are left standing at all. Following are tho losses at Ruaroa, not taking stock into account; Francis Gratwick Yarrell, fourroomed house, insured for £75 in the Norwich Union. Arthur Maxwell Yarroll, four-room-ed cottage, whare, trapshed, insured for £195 in the State. , Stanley Bert Fairbrother, fivoroomed house, furniture, personal effects, cow bail, insured for £440 in the Norwich. Richard Henry Fairbrother, threeroomed cottage, £IOO on the cottage and contents in the State. George Waller, three-roomed cottage, £75 in the Norwich. Donghi Bros., cow and trapshed, estimated loss £llO, covered in the Norwich. John Sullivan, stable and contents, insured for £6O in tho Norwich; Morris, cowshed, insured for £SO in the Norwich. At Upper Piripiri tho settlers had a bad time, the following losses occurring there: G. and A. Wright, calf shed and separator, also house damaged, covered in the State office. J. Aylward, house and furniture, £45 on the house in the State and an additional £6O on the house with the Norwich; £llO on the furniture and £9B on other buildings in tho Norwich. Inder and Fortune, houso and furniture, and outbuildings and haystack, also twenty head of cattle. Every settler, in addition, has lost feed, so the position is very serious, most of them being small struggling farmers.