THE BUSH FIRES.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 April 1918, Page 7

THE BUSH FIRES.

GOVERNMENT AID NEEDED. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, April 20. A deputation, comprising Mr. Smith, MP., Mr. Harry, Mayor of Ohakune,and Mr. Harris, chairman of the Raetilri Farmers' Union, waited on Sir Joseph Ward in regard to State aid to the sufferers by the recent bush fires. Mr. Smith said that- at least £30,000 would be required to help the farmers und sawmillers. Reliable estimates put the losses down as follows: Sheep, SI.OOO, at_an a'/erago value of 10s each; 17,000 acres of grass at 30s to £2 per sere; nine sawmilling plants and timber stacks, average £l-500 each; cattle, value £25,000; workers' household property, £10,000; buildings destroyed, insured at £45,000, would cost at least double that to replace; value of fences, ahout £10,000; making a total loss of about £225,000. Tho Government advanced £25,000 for grass seed, and, in addition, the district "would be gratified for longterm loans up to £75,000 for a term of thirty-two years at 5 per cent, in-' terest aud 1 per cent, sinking fund. Sir Joseph Ward reiterated that it was the duty of the Government to help, hut Cabinet must settle tho amount. The request would receive attention at the first opportunity.