FIRES.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1449, 2 January 1886, Page 3

FIRES.

Napibr, Dec. 30. Bush fires are still spreading. There is no wind, and there are some hopes of their abating. The Napier firemen who went to Matatoka with the engine succeeded in making the township safe, and returned to town yesterday morning. Before their arrival, however, telegrams were sent to recall them, the wind having risen and carried the fire towards Norsewood, a considerable township. They went back tvith more appliances and a second engine. At the latest advices four houses and a large sawmill, owned by Silberman, at Norsewood, had been destroyed, and the fires were spreading, Ormondville being threatened. Funds are being raised in Napier for the homeless settlers, numbers of whom have lost everything they possessed in the world. Few of the smaller settlers were insured, and in the general confusion and excitement it was impossible to ascertain the insurances on the larger properties. Dec. 31. The latest news from the Forty Mile Bush shows that fires are still spreading there. This afternoon McKenzie's large mill near Danevirke, was reported as in imminent danger, and only a change of wind can aave it. If the wind, which is now light, increases as it threatens, it is almost an absolute certainty that all the remainder of the townships of Matatoka, Ormondville, Norsewood, and Papata must go. There ia widespread distress, which the Charitable Aid Board is endeavoring to relieve temporarily, and for which subscriptions lists have been opened to further assist the more deserving cases.

Wellington, Dec. 30. Telegrams from Carterton say tbe wind has fallen, and has removed all further danger from bush fires.