Bush Fires.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 115, 8 October 1914, Page 8

Bush Fires.

DANNEVIRiKK DISTRICT D'EVAS- ' TATJiD. By Press Association. Dannevirke, October T. During the past two days a heavy galo lias been blowing, which fanned smouldering log fires into a serioup menace to the whole countryside. Fires hav<s been devastating settlements throughout the whole district, but they assumed moat serious proportions last night. The sky was illuminated by big fires at Te Rehunga, Kuaroft, U'mutaoroa, Piripiri, iJHalkofruku, Raumati, Tepapakuiku, and elsewhere. ftettlers in all these districts spent tho laat two nights- iiire-ft|jhting in protection of 'their property, and, iiut -for their valiant efforts, nvajijj) places would have gone up in smoke. As it is, considerable damage was dono, the Ruaroa district reporting the loss of several houses. The settlers there who havu been burnt out are K. Studer, (>. Kdwards, L. Hotter, \V. Ingles, and Taw's. An old homestead and many out-houses have been burned, fences destroyed, and stock lost also at thiri settlement. Though conditions are not as bad in other parts, aet'tlcrs there will -be heavy losers oil account of the detraction of spring feed. At the time of wiring the gales are still blowing, and other houses are endangered.

FIRE SPREADS RAPIDLY.

LAND SWEPT OF GRASS AX'ft

FENCES.

SEVERAL BUILDINGS DES^|.lOYlii:

Banneviriw, Last Night. The grass, Jog anil Imsli tires whicli raged in Dannevirke and adjacent set-' tlements for the last two days were the moat severe and general probably ever experienced. Thu fire 3 spread TaipiUJty on account of the heavy gale, and through the phenomenally dry spring, and settlers in all parts spent sleepless nights trying to protect their property. Immense areas of grass lands have been swept, and the loss in feed at this ticno of the year is particularly severe. Thu country almost to the coast and far to the north and south of Dannevirke have btcn swept. In many localities the fires aro still burning fiercely. Fortunately the gale lias abated. If there is no further wind little additional damage ia anticipated.

The Ruaroa. district suffered seventy, five houses being destroyed. The Norsewood 1 settlors also sustained heavy losses. Several emptjyi houses, we-e destroyed, while early 0 n Wednesday morning fires we.re dangerously cloiso ui the township, showers of sparks falling over the hall and school. Fortunately none of tha adjacent building* caught, otherwise the town would probably have teen destroyed. Miles of fencing in various parts have 'been devoured by the flames, also numerous l outbuilding*, while the losses of stock are reported to be considerable, though 'definite figures are inot ascertainable. Rain is badily needed. Otherwise much further damage will be done.