BUSH FIRES AND GALES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 143, 13 December 1911, Page 5

BUSH FIRES AND GALES.

ON THE EAST COAST. By Telegraph—Press Association. Gisborne, Last Night. Settlers in Hangaroa neighborhood have been experiencing severe bush fires during the past two days, and considerable areas of grass have 'been lost. In addition it is reported that one farmerlost a number of sheep. To-day Mr. R. E. Barton's house and woolshed near Watatutu wepe endangered, and many shearers had to be called from adjoining stations to save the property. AH the wool and engines were taken from the shed, but fortunately the flames kept back, although the place is not yet out of danger. About "2000 acres are affected in this district. A roadman's whare on the Waikaremoana road was destroyed by fire, and also all tlio roadman's effects were lost. Rain is urgently wanted. The dry weather is making itself felt in town, and there is a scarcity of water. A high wind was experienced to-day.' At Otoko railway extension the gusts' were so strong that the men on the line were forced to discontinue work. In the afternoon a g«st of wind lifted the roof completely off a shed containing an engine for an aerial tramway across the Otoko viadHct. A sheet of corrugated iron was hurled some chains through the air, and went clean through a workman's tent. Fortunately no one was imside.