BUSH FIRES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 263, 29 March 1913, Page 5

BUSH FIRES.

L\ THE GISBORNE DISTRICT. SETTLERS FIGHTING FOR THEIR HOMES. By Telegraph— Press Association. ', Gisborne, Last Night. Bush fires have revived in several parts of the district, and with a strong westerly wind blowing today were making much headway. About Te Karaka this afternoon the air was heavily charged with smoke. One huge lire appeared to be in the direction of Run 47, beyond Otoko, where there are 15,000 acres of standing bush, which, it is feared, mayhave become endangered. This fire had been 'burning since yesterday morning, and to-day assumed very large dimensions. Other fsres were seen in the direction of Mangatu and Matawai. At Rakauroa the settlers are again fighting hard to save their homes and stock fram destruction, but reports to-night indicate that the smoke is too thick to enable much to be done.

A Gishorne Times' correspondent at Rakauroa, telephoning to-night, savs the township is full of smoke, and the residents found about are just about driven out of their homes. There was, however, a strong promise of rain, which would' of course, save the situation. The fires are burning all round, and Graham's place lias been threatened all day, and, despite the efforts of the fire-fighters, the wool-shed and outhouses are almost certain to be burned, though the house may be saved. '•There is a big crowd at McLaughlan's," proceeds the correspondent, "but the smoke has got them beaten. However, the wool-shed has been saved so far, and is practically out of danger for the time being. Work is concentrated on the house. The fires are very had at Matawai, too, but there is but litle between Rakaurot and Matawai, except a few smouldering logs. If the ram which promises comes, we may be all right, but if it doesn't there will be heavy loss, as the men can't stand the smoke,"