BUSH FIRES.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, 21 January 1908, Page 8

BUSH FIRES.

SECOND EDITION.

• STILL SPREADING. SERIOUS DANGER APPREHENDED. Per Press Association. .v Danuevirke, January 31. A heavy sontherly wind blew lastnight which brightened np the bush fires and the tewn was enveloped in smoke. Reports have just reached town that heavy fires are raging in the Norsewood district, where several farm houses have been destroyed- and a number of others threatened, .-s Waipawa, January 21. A big 7 ? bush fire is raging near Makaretu. The high wind blowing is enveloping Waipawa in dense smoke. As practically no rain has fallen since October the country is parched and it is feared the fire will spread and do considerable damage. Woodville, January 21. A great fire is raging in the Mana- , watu Gorge on both : sides. It is fiercest on the road side. Already two small bridges have been burnt. If assistance is required to protect • the Upper Gorge bridge a number of , Woodville people are ready and willing. Eketahuua, January 21. The heavy wind last night again freshened the fires and there are dense columns of smoke over the whole district. At Rongokako the fire is spreading rapidly and settlers and a relief party are fighting the flames. Many suppliers are unable • to take milk to the factory. One shed has been burnt and this morning the school and dairy factory are threatened. The position is extremely serious. At Mangamahoe the country is a mass of flames and the church is threatened. Settlers are all busy protecting their homes. At Nireaha fires at their worst now and are within 20 yards of the store and Post Office. Smoke is so . thick that it is impossible for settlers -ib communicate with each other, consequently the damage is unascertainable. It is known ' that a house owned by Mr Hansen has been demails havfe been able to the wind is still high, and no sign of rain. Fears are of very serious damage has just been received that house at Huknaui, owned was totally delast week. relief party has just left the endeavour to Factory. Settlers are unable to reach and it is feared the fire is there. An effort is being to reach them from Eketahuua. timber'is being blown over within the borough area and small fires in dry weeds logs in paddocks. The fears are ■•dangerous at present, but the is increasing after having for a time.