OTAKI AND MANAWATU

Otago Witness, Issue 2815, 26 February 1908, Page 31

OTAKI AND MANAWATU

WELLINGTON, February 18.

Tho favourite beauty spot known as Wilton's Bush, at Wa dost own. about three miles from this eiry. was almost totally destroyed by fire. The place was a Government reserve, and was greatiy prized by citizens. It was practically the only piece of native bush remaining within easy distance of the city by road.

February 19.

Fires have made their appearance in the Otaki district, and arc doing much damage in other districts along the Manawatu line. The properties along the hills are a mass of smoke, and great alarm is felt for the settlers in the back-block«.

At Waikana© mill the hands have been obliged to give up mill work and turn th^r attention to saving the plant, and the aw amp and town are enve'ioped in smoke.

Between the Otaki biidse and Tehoro, at least along the railway line, the place is practically free of smoke. Scuth of Waikanae the fires threaten to do an immense amount of damage, and have crossed the railwat. causing wholesale destruction to fences and carrying all before them. It is reported that fires have destroyed Mr Taylor's house at South Menakau, Dunn's residence and Beva,n's stables at the Otaki Gorge, and Owen's an.l Walter Carter's at Reikorangi. The wind has now dropped, and the greatest danger appears 1o be o\er. At Levin Mr Dean's house was burned, and the fires aro so th'catemng that a continuous watch has to be kept.