OUR HISTORY

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 278, 14 March 1989, Page 16

OUR HISTORY

by

Dennis

Beytagh

At this time of year 81 years ago the entire Waimarino region was battling against a series of raging fires which were threatening lives and properties over a huge area. In those days of volunteer 'bucket brigades' without modern fire fighting equipment and trained personnel the situation must have been desperate. These disastrous fires were very fully reported in contemporary editions of the Waimarino County Call. Here is a selection of graphic descriptions and editorial comments which appeared on St. Valentines Day, Friday 14 February 1908.

DISASTROUS DAY ... MANY SETTLERS BURNT OUT Raetihi "Swept by a raging south easterly wind the fires of Wednesday will long be remembered as the most disastrous evcr experienced in the Waimarino. As far as can be ascertained at present at least a dozen settlers around Raetihi have suffered a clean sweep of their homes by the uncontrollable blaze. Many homes within the town area were also seriously threatened as to bring out many men to the assistance of the endangered householders. Today a number of

country residents, burnt-out or driven from their homes, are staying in town and harrowing are the stories of fire-fighting and of narrow escape... In one instance on Ohura Road two young women stood in water at a culvert for hours to escape the heat of the flames and Mr Cox's daughter had to be carried to safety... It is expected that a large number of sheep and cattle have succumbed to the flames and smoke but as yet the extent of the damage cannot be ascertained in view of the impossibility of getting across the paddocks which are now more or less still enveloped in dense smoke. Another serious

result is the complete devastation of all the grass in many places... With such a volume of wind as blew across from the Makotuku (river) residents of the town early expected trouble. Every house on Ameku Road was surrounded as far as Mr Brass's whose residence, woolshed and everything was completely demolished although the owner fought hard to save them... Mangaeturoa Pipiriki Road as far as the 'saddle' was not negotiable from town but one or two wayfarers came through before the smoke became too thick and it was reported that every house on that portion on the road was sur-

rounded, with King's sawmill being completely demolished... Orautoha From accounts received it appears that this district suffered worst. Yesterday it became known that Messrs Nairn, Mosen, J. Spence, Patterson, Cox, Gosnell, W. Harris and Coutts has sustained the loss of their homes, the victims in many cases just escaping with their lives. It is reported that many of the firefighters are quite blind after their exertions in the smoke and fire. No one knows yet the extent of the damage to stock but the very worst results are feared. In one or two places a few sheep have been seen near outside fences with feet burnt off but it is impossible yet to attempt mustering operations...

Ohakune News of strenuous fire-fighting was received from Ohakune but details were meagre. It was however learnt that Mrs Wilson Kerr had suffered the loss of her home and that the telegraph wires had been destroyed beyond Ohakune with the result that communication from Waimarino centres to outside places has been retarded... Horopito The same conditions have been experienced in this much - menaced centre. The contents of the stores had to be emptied out on the road and a great struggle ensued to keep back the fires. A number of tents were demolished in spite of all efforts... Rangataua On Wednesday the residents at Rangataua station had a fierce

fight with the fires but managed to come off best, very little damage being done there. Waimarino Golf A good crowd played in perfect conditions for the Waimarino Golf Club's opening day on Sunday. Results: Greensome Foursomes lst, P. Goldfinch and F. Geraghty, 59 Nett; run-ners-up, J. Ennis and L. Fetzer, 62; G. Allerby and J. Martin, 64. Men's Four Ball Best Ball Parr lst, B. Marshall/N. Clarke, 11 up; runners-up, P. Craig/B. Tumataroa, 9 up; R. Pearson/J. Mcllroy, 9 up; T. Donghi/ A. Berridge, 9 up. Next Sunday is the club's annual visit to Turangi. Members intending to go should contact P. Goldfinch, phone 58625.