THE BISH FIRES.

Taihape Daily Times, 20 March 1918, Page 4

THE BISH FIRES.

RAETIHI HALF DESTROYED. ENORMOUS DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. APPALLING LOSS OP STOCK ARRIVAL OF REFUGEES IN TAIHAPE The wind, which had been blowing all yesterday with a gusty violence unusual to Taihape, calmed down somewhat towards evening,, and at 10 o ’clock last night it had fallen to a calm. At 4 o ’clock, dense smoke was coming over from the north, and several light showers of rain fell, but not in any appreciable quantity. The north mail train arrived at Taihape at 44.0 p.m., and the appearance of the passengers indicated the Aery trying time they had experienced The train brought some refugees from Raetihi (some 40 in number) and their appearance was pitiable in the extreme, with their eyes inflamed and bloodshot, and their general dishivelled condition. Some of those who arrived in Taihape from Raetihi had lost everything they possessed in the world even the clothes they wore were the gifts of warm-hearted people in Ohakunc. Quite a number were children, some only a few months old, Two men who arrived almost blind from the smoke and ashes of the fires and they entered local hospitals to receive medical attention.

HOW THE FIRE STARTED IN RAETIHI.

GRAPHIC DESCRIPTION BY THE SUFFERERS

Among those who arrived were Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Morris and family. Interviewed by our representative, Mr Morris, whose eyes wore inflamed and bloodshot, said he lived about a mile on the outskirts of Ractihi. On Monday night the wind was blowing from the south fairly strong, which fanned the fires that were smouldering in the logs on the north side of the township into a blaze, whlcliVihcroascd'with the strength 5 of the wind; About 9 p ’clock at,’ night considerable .firos;fwfee' kind-, led down to Pikifiki ahdi;.Ohdia toads, but no anxiety was felt, iass the wind, was blowing the flames-! away front the town. But'at about 1 iSb ’-eldfek ? the! wind changed to the n.6nthr r and ‘ the! huge volume of flame which-‘'‘had been kindled came down directly; on the town, igniting all the logs and trees‘in its irresistible careers c Thar<wind had; now • increased; oto almost A htirrfcanej force, and fiery tongues -ofi-' flame leaped from one tree -to another-until the outskirts of the < town > wefe' reached. Mr. J S. r Ashmore’s house was the first to go, and .from there it spread right into the town, destroying everything in its, fiery progress. Smoke ashes, dust and flames were hurled on by the tornado of wind, and it soon became evident that the town was doomed The Nursing Home, Town Board’s offices and electrical storeroom the Waimarino County Offices,' and Anderson’s butcher shop -were soon burning fiercely, sending up showers of sparks that carried the conflagration to ’other parts of the town, and the Anglican Church and vicarage, Wesleyan Church, and Roman Catholic Church were next in the grip of the fire fiend. Mr, Morris get out of his house earlier in the night, and with two other families, started off in a car to a safer locality. The ah was so thick with smoke, ashes, dust and grit that it was impossible to see a yard in front of them. They guided the car by the sound of the metal on the road, When they got opposite the site of the Acclimatisation offices, the wind, which was blowing with cyclonic force, blew the car into the water-table, and capsized it. Almost blinded by the dust and smoke, they groped their way to a large concrete tunnel that ran diagonally under the road, and took refuge there. The tunnel was knee deep in water, but provided shelter from the fiery furnace passing overhead. On looking round Mr. Morris and party found they had for companions sonic twenty others who had come to the tunnel for security. There were women and children, and mothers with babies only a few weeks old. They stayed in their place of refuge for three hours, and Mr. Morris states the children were quiet and good; not a whimper was heard from even the youngest. The condition of the unfortunates can easily be imagined with their damp refuge under-foot and the devouring clement above. At 5 o’clock in the morning, as soon as daylight appeared, they were offered the hospitality of Mr. Day’s house opposite, which fortunately had escaped the fire. After being refreshed they left for Ractihi Station. Meanwhile the devouring clc-. ment had gone on its uninterrupted career of destruction, completely dctroying workshop , the Ractihi Sash

and Door Factory, with all its recently installed machinery, and ail the buildings adjacent. The homesteads on theValley/ and Middle Rmid are As from the.- course of the xirdrMr. Morris considers there is not a possible chance of escaping. At Horopitothe township has been swept clean away, Mr. Harris and Mr. Ellery on the Ohura Road hau a providential, escape. Mr. J. P. Mccham’s car arrived and took those two gentlemen, and their families to a place of safety,, but fiercely was the fire burning that the car in its journey caught alight and the hood was burnt to cinders. Mr. P. Hansen, on the Hukeroa .Road,, lest everything, house, outbuildings, woolshed and machines being entirely consumed. At about 3 am. the electric light and telephone wires were put out of action, which all added to the terror of the situation. A very pathetic incident was the destruction of the Nursing Home, which at the time of the fire had some eight or nine recent maternity eases. Rough hands gently and tenderly lifted the patients out of the burning building on mattresses and in blankets, and conveyed them to a place of comparative safety in a paddock nearby. At this time the air was almost suffocating with smoke and ashes, and ' the terrific wind pitilessly pelted them, with small stones and stones from the road and footpath. However, all the

patients were removed without mishap. Blankets and sheets saturated with water helped to some extent to mitigate the choking effect of the smoke. Mr. Morris says it is impossible to estimate the damage to property by the fire, but he is afraid there is hardly a residence left intact. The loss of stock must be appalling, Mr. Ashmore ,alone losing between 2000 and 3000 sheep, and there are reports of almost total losses from other large stockowners. Mr, Morris mentions a peculiar incident in the erratic course of the fire. There were some eight or nine buildings in a row, and the firo destroyed all but the one in the centre (Mr. Gunn’s), which was left almost, untouched. After a rest at Raetlhi, Mr. Morris and party, in company with other refugees, left for Ohakune by train. Even then their adventures were not ended, as the journey to Ohakune . was a thrilling one, both sides of, the line in some places .. burnig fiercely, On Arrival at Ohakune, 'the party were treated i with extreme kindness by the residents,; -who; could not do enough for them. Mr, and Mrs. Morris will be heavy losers ; by .the fire, as ‘ 'all they possess ■is they stand up in. ■

MORE DETAILS BY A EAETIHI RESIDENT Mr. E, C. Reid and his wife arrived, by train from Raetihi yesterday afteruoon; showing marked effects of tiic trying and nerve-racking ordeal they had passed through. Mr. Reid, who is a tobacconist and hairdresser in Raetihi said he left his business at the township at about 11 o’clock, and walked home about a mile out, At that time

there was a fresh breeze from south. On arrival home he stood at his house with Mrs, Reid and watched the bush fire to the north, in a valley just beyond his section. They were admiring the sight of the fire as stars of flame spread from tree to tree, not for - a moment anticipating that the beautiful spectacle they were witnessing would only a short hour or two later would become a devouring monster. Shortly after the wind shifted, and the sheet of flame came on towards them, gathering volume with every step it advanced. They became alarmed as they saw the fire advancing towards the town, licking up the dried logs and trees in valleys and rising over ridge after ridge until it approached the suburbs of the town. Mr. Anderson’s slaughter yard and buildings were quickly enveloped * and the crackling of the flames were mingled with the pitiful bleating of the sheep and the lowing of cattle which were there yarded, and. being slowly roasted to death. Mr. Ashmore’s place was the next to follow. By this time a fire from another direction was advancing with terrific force and volume, and Mr. Pratt’s homestead on Ameku Road was soon a mass of flames. Assisted by the wind which had now increased to a strong I gale, the fire reached Wallace’s new I stable and all its contents were quickly 1 destroyed. The fire then spread and across the centre of the town‘destroying Mr. Tustin’s beautiful residence and-Mr. Brown’s 14-stall stables. Dividing here the fire rushed on with renewed fierceness. During the height of the conflagration Mr. Goodger got out his car and motor car; and sent them out to bring in families who were situated on the outskirts, and lie . and His men worked dike heroes in '.cnTKi: a;... m i. the work of rescue. Reid speaks iiL.piost glowing ternjs of the almost jlauher!}ignh'|i efforts Qjf Mr. Goodger In his good work, and declares ejkhusfastically that “he is a hero mi the 'Whitest' man he ever knew.” These

points, bringing in families from isolated places, very often having to rush among leaping flames and Showers oi, sparks to the work of salvacar went to Mangatoroa on

its mission of mercy. Both cars were eventually burned, and Mr. Goodger has also lost his horses, w'hich were incinerated. Some 40 people took refuge in the river bed and remained there for hours, while others found shelter in the concrete picture theatre. Even this caught alight, as a fiery brand fell on the roof and the flames were blown under the eaves,

and the felting caught alight, but a

bucket brigade quickly quenched this. Through the efforts of Mr. Fred Gleeson, Dalgety’s office and Mr. Waldegrave’s house were saved, for the

time being at any rate. The fire had by this time reached Fagg’s store, "which was soon reduced to a heap of ashes. Three little children were lost about this spot ,and it was some time before they were recovered by their distracted parents, unhurt. The two fires which were converging on the town now joined forces, forming a complete fiery circle, within which the "work of destruction was raging with a fierceness almost inconceivable, and the of New Zealand, Harris and Carter’s stables, and the three churches vanished. As Mr. and Mrs. Reid were groping their way to safety down the 'Ameke Road, the smell of burning flesh was most unpleasantly evident, indicating the burning of unfortunate animals. The burning of Mr. Fagg’s house was a sad episode, as at the time his daughter was critically ill and in a high state of fever, and his son was a victim of infantile paralysis. However, they were got out safely, and it is devoutly to be hoped there will be no serious after results. -Mrs. Fagg, in the confusion, was missed, and at the time of Mr. Reid’s leaving, had not been found. The Maori pah on the other side of the river was wiped out of existence. As far as Mr. Reid’s knowledge extended, Syme’s*new mill at Raetihi, Merson’s mill and Peterson’s mills have been destroyed, and if the other mills in the district are untouched Mr. Reid says it will be little short of a. miracle. “And what did you save from the fire?” our reporter asked Mr Reid. “Absolutely nothing. What Mrs Reid and myself stand up In/ a: parrot and a bulldog, which we saved at !thef last moment, is the sum total of tour worldly possessions.” At rthe Makerenui the fire had not made its appearance ,and everything was appartotly safe in that direction. Mr, Donald Wright, who is well-known in Taihape, lost a lot of stock. Messrs. Scarrow and Bolton gust got away from their places providentially, not even having time to release the unfortunate dogs from their chains. Mr; Eeid ,who has travelled practically all over the British Empire, says that never has he witnessed such a dire"somo, sight as the fire swept country presented at the height of the conflagration. Round the whole district were lighted trees scintillating with myriads of balls of flame, and as a tree or a building collapsed showers of sparks would shoot up into the heavens This was not in isolated spots, but the whole fire zone appeared in the blackness of the night to be one huge pyrotechnic display. The effect was heightened by the tornado of.rushing wind carrying smoke, sparks, and small stones, the last named travelling with such velocity that if struck in the face by them they w-ould cut one to the bone. Mr. and Mrs. Reid went to the Raetihi Station, where they entrained for Taihape Only two mills saved—Smith’s and Perham and Larsen’s. At Smith’s mill men and women worked determinedly—only by their persistence the was saved—other buildings were burnt and fire was almost incessantly falling into the mill, but men and women, half-suffocated, worked on.

LATEST NEWS. AT OHUTTJ AND UTIKU. Fortunately the wind, which died down last night, remained so and the welcome showers of rain, though not of any great volume, succeeded in clearing the air and cheeking the spread of the fires. From various parts of the district, where the danger has been greatest, heavy showers fell, and provided |he wind does not rise all -immediate danger is over, and the settlers, have had a little breathing space after their strenuous work firefighting. In the Ohutu and Utiku districts the danger during Monday night and ■ Tuesday was greater than was realised at the time. Mr. %obert Campbell had an extremely trying time. A fire came oyer the back- of his section and threatened Ms woolshed and outbuildings. Jnsily engaged coping with this, another fire came through Mr. Jjlelk’s property, through Mr. Sulin a parallel line, sweeping right down the frontage to the end the section. Then the wind changed

and fire along the whole frontage was blown right into Ms. Campbell’s and the position became very serious, as log after log and tree after tree caught alight. The house was in great danger, and caught alight once or twice, but was subdued, A mairi tree j near the woolshed caught, and it was i seen the shed was doomed, and in spite of their utmost endeavours WTis destroyed. The bridge was also in, : danger and it required all their atten- : tion to save it. In addition to loss of shed Mr. Campbell fears he has lost i some sheep, though the extent of the loss is not yet ascertainable. Mr, Belk | also lost some 300 or 400 sheep, and ' Mr. Sullivan is also a loser in this respect The fire traversed Mr Helem’s sectipn, taking in Messrs, Transomeis and Mr. W. Prime’s in its course. All those gentlemen have lost some Stock. On the other side of the river Mr, Hart also lost some stock, but the fire just missed Mr. Wilson’s homestead. It was a very anxious time indeed for all those settlers until the wind dropped and rain fell. Fires are still smouldering all over the district. South of IJtiku the fires were very bad and Messrs, Venables and Hibbert were visited by the fire fiend and Messrs. Brown and J. Gilchrist had their wools'heds destroyed) in addition which it is feared they have lost some stock. A MISSION OF MERCY. Mr. R. W. Smith arrived from Wellington last night and at once set about providing relief for the injured and homeless. Mr, Pitt, baker, worked all night in making and baking a batch of bread; Mr. Champion, grocer, was called upon for butter and Mr. S. S, Timbs for meat, and Mr. Smith was enabled to proceed by the first train this morning with upwards of 180 loaves of bread, a box or two of butter, a large crate of meat, and a large supply of medicines and drugs,put together at Mr. Smith’s order by Mr. Fookes, chemist. On leaving this, morning on his mission of mercy, he spoke in high praise of the assistance he had received from Mr, Mercer, stationmaster, and his Taihape staff. FIRE RELIEF FUND, i ~ • i The Bishop of .Wellington, who is drf Taihape for the purpose of. -holding: a Confirmation ■ service at SLiiiMar-j garet’s Church, voluntarily contribut-. -ed £lO and . other donations in uaj I Tew minutes brought the amount to £35. The Rev, Mr. Wilier,' of Ghakuhe, is 'strenuously endeavouring to;, find clothes for those who. have lost theif all, and money is wanted urgently: as •the destruction has rendered so many men, women and children without, food and clothing. The need for assistance is very urgent and those who care to give the help im need maydo sp by handing any donation; to thd Rev. Wr P, Stent, who will promptly forward it on to Ohakune-—the help is wanted now; . , ! ,

MINISTERIAL SYMPATHY. I

This morning a telegram was reeeived at Mr R. W. Smith’s residence from the Minister of Lands, the Hon. ' D. S. McDonald, as follows:—“I i desire to sympathise with you and I others of Waimarino in the great disI aster that has overtaken the district I and I trust and hope there is no loss j of life.” | | DEPUTATION TO HON. G. W. RUSSELL AT OHAKUNE. i ! THE FIRE DAMAGE OUTLINED. j GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE PROMISED. WELLINGTON, this day. Telegraphic communication with ■ Ohakune and the fire-swept district is still heavily interrupted and it is difficult to get messages through, but some details of the damage in the neighbourhood of Ohakune are disclosed by a deputation which waited on the Hon. W. G. Russell at Ohakune, when on his way from Auckland to Wellington. Mr. J. J. Barry, (Mayor), acted as spokesman, ana ‘said the position is that the fire is extending practically from Horopito to Raetihi. Fanned by the gale the fire swept out towards Waiouru and Pipiriki, devastating the country it has gone through. Thousands of sheep and cattle have been lost and •homesteads burnt. Sawmillers have been heavy losers, Merson’s, Harris,, j Peterson, Knight’s (of Raetihi), and I Carter (of Horopito), and all cottages in which the workmen lived have been wiped out. Hundreds of refugees have been brought into Ohakune and billeted, with the residents of the township. Large numbers of these people spent the night in ditches and culverts, and loss of life is feared, but no definite word as to that aspect has come to hand. The part of the township of Raetihi burned includes the Town Board office, County Chambers, butter factory, police station, Fagg Bros’ large store, sash and door '

factory, and over fifty residences In

the township itself have been destroyed, as well as three churches. The whole country is covered with legs, and the fire passed among them to the houses. The village settlement on the south side of Ohakune suffered considerably, and many had marvellous escapes. The railway authorities at Ohakune handled the position admirably, quickly despatching relief trains, the first going out of Ohakune at 5.30 a.m., and the second shortly after. The electric light in the district suddenly went off, leaving everyone in darkness. The fire broadened out in the back country towards Raetihi. The Hon. G. W. Russell, in Hie course of his reply, said he did not expect the Government would be able to put everyone back in as good a position as before the fire, but would do the best possible to relieve the distress. He suggested the Mayors of the various towns should organise collections for the relief of sufferers. (This has already been done in the case of Taihape, and various urgent necessities were despatched this morning.)

As Mr. Banks and Mr. Cooper were driving a mob of sheep from this district to Karioi they were overtaken by the fires, and so severe were the fiery conditions that both men had to spend the night standing in the river up to their waists in water. Both men were just about blind with heat and smoke, and Mr. Banks suffered so intensely that he believes he would have collapsed only for the supporting influence of Mr. Cooper. Both men got out safely and were brought on to Taihape. HON. GUTHRIE GOES TO RAETIHI FEILDING, this day. Hon. Guthrie, Minister of Lands, has cancelled all local engagements and gone to the Raetihi district owing to the seriousness of the devastating fires here. He has instructed experts in the Lands Department to get to the spot immediately, to render all advice necessary and place their services at the disposal of settlers.

Mr. A. L. Arrowsmith, (Mayor), has communicated with the Mayor of Ohakmqe, asking, in what direction Taihape can. best assist sufferers by the -•fire.';- ; Some Taihape residents, including the Rev. P. W. Stent, have purposely journeyed to the scene of the trouble to ascertain just what is wanted.: , Temporary relief has already been given.

‘A Vivid word picture,

BY TRAIN PASSENGER

WELLINGTON, this day,

' A passenger by last night’s train gives some vivid details of the sights \Vhich met travellers to Wellington. ■ u The- night was,” he said, “bitterly cold, and a gale driving with amazing fierceness. It was the greatest fire by far I ever saw. THe whole country, not only on one side of the line, but all round, is ablaze. If you can imagine the hills surrounding Wellington solid -walls of fire you can get some idea of the spectacle. Over 300 refugees from Raetihi were taken into Ohakune. It was a sad sight to see whole families walking (round with nothing in the world left but clothes they stood in. Particularly touching was he sight of the women and children . These poor people had a terrible experience. Half-suffocated by smoke and more than half blinded, they were in a dreadful condition: their every appearance told of the great strain of that dreaculil night. One man came in carrying a doll; we laughed, but. he only nursed it more tenderly. His story was quite touching; it was all they had saved, and it was all the world to him, and belonged to his little girl. Then there came a woman who did not know whether her husband was safe or not. He was out in the bush when the fire started. Now miles of flame separated them each was unaware of the fate of the other, and her anxiety was great. Things were bad at Ohakune and the smoke was terrible. Many could endure it no longer, so they spent the night in the riverbed. If the wind had not changed as it did Ohakune would have been burnt, by now. No one can lay how the fire started, but it i 3 presumed someone above Horopito was having a burn, when the gale happened along. I should say the fire expends hundreds of miles along the line; how far back it is impossible to say. It will be days and days before an estimate of the damage can be made