FLAX ON FIRE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXII, Issue 8964, 6 November 1907, Page 2

FLAX ON FIRE.

Press Association,

Blenheim, November 0.

A fire fanned by a strong northwest wind swept Marshlands flax swamp yesterday afternoon, burning about 500 tons of flax ready to cut and a .‘quantity of other flax. Mr Chaytor, the owner, estimates the loss at nearly £I,OOO, A large gang of men fought the tire all the afternoon and succeeded in saving a portion of the flax. The fire afterwards crossed, the big ditch into a raupo swamp at the Maori pah, where a large area was swept, but the damage was unimportant. Rain is again threatening, but apparently failing. The conditions are very similar to those of last voar. The crops arc, however, still vigorous owing to good early rains having maintained the subsoil, at Blenheim.