A BIG BLAZE.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 December 1919, Page 5

A BIG BLAZE.

SWEEPS HUNDREDS OF ACRES. VALUABLE FLAX DESTROYED. For six days and six nights the country between Lake Whangape and the Waikato River, in the Rarigiriri district, has been covered in smoke by day, and a red glare by night. These conditions were tlie result of a raging fire, defying during that period the efforts of 12 Maoris and the owner, Mr. J. Dean, of Pokeno (flaxmill owner), to stamp it out. After battling incessantly day and night against the sheet of flame that swept the area, the fire-fighters won out on Monday, and there now remains where grew some of the best flax in the Waikato a stretch of blackened surface, charred by the fire in its devastating course. "It was like musketry, tho cracking of the flax as the flame licked it up," was the version of one who assisted in staying the fury of the conflagration. It was fortune that favored the brave ffighters when things were at their gloomiest. The wind changed to the right quarter—the east—and from that on their hopes of success improved until finally they were masters of the situation, and were resting after a long, tiring battle. The gum in the flax naturally made a ready burner, and increased the devastating power of the flame. The loss. Will be a severe one to Mr. Dean. Just at present it is impossible to assess the damage wrought by the country sweeper. The property was purchased some few years back by the present owner from Messrs Stead and Troutbeck. It is situ«t«d basic from the railway Una