WAIKATO BUSH FIRES.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 444, 8 February 1890, Page 5

WAIKATO BUSH FIRES.

OHAUPO SURROUNDED BY FLAMES. Further information received with reference to the bush fires previously repoited from Waikato districts shows that the serious conflagrations have taken place, and are still raging in the .vicinity of Taupiri, Mangawbare, and elsewhere. At Mangawhare a terrific fire has been raging for some . considerable time; and much damage has been' sustained by settlers thereabouts. At latest advices Mr Dilworth’s flax fields, which contain a large and valuable crop, were reported ,to be in imminent danger of destruction.,, At Ohaupu the fire spread from Mr Hunter’s farm to . tho property of Mr Edwards, and Mr Edwards’ store had a very escape from, total destruction, while a valuable collection of timber in Mr Kusab’s bush was reduced to ashes. Settlers ..,are constantly ;on ; the watch to ensure, as ..far as- possible the, safety of .their . buildings and, other property. .Several narrow escapes are reported.. Early yesterday, morning a hpuse; occupied; by; Chapman and family, opposite the English Church,, caught fire,,- but a speedy, attack,j backed,up ,by a. liberal water supply,; speedily extinguished the flames,.and pre-; .yented serious damage. The bush surrounding. Ohaupo -is , said to bo on lire in-a dozen different places, and so, far.the township, has y been saved only by, the untiring .and. hnrenutting,,exertions of ; the,residents. In the meantime, a downpour of rain is eagerly looked for as the only surety for tho salvation of much valuable property.