WAIKAIA BUSH.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 255, 19 December 1872, Page 8

WAIKAIA BUSH.

{From our Wkitecomb Creek Correspondent.)

I do not wish to be considered a meddler or busybody, but in the interests of the public — of whom I form a unit, I hold it to be my duty to once more protest against the wilful attempts that are repeatedly being made to destroy this bush. As I passed through it a few days ago in company with another person, we saw that fires had been lighted at intervals of a hundred yards or so, for a distance of about a mile in the middle of the bush. Apparently the fires had been lit a fenv days previously, as they were still smouldering-. Imekilv, rain has come, so danger may be past for the present. Had the season been further advanced, and in consequence the timber much drier, or a strong wind blowing at the time, doubtless this splendid bush comprising about fifty square miles of heavy birch timber, "would have be^n partly— if not wholly destroyed , t ? ei*-' v sonally, I haVe much reason a to complain, as the summer before last I nearly lost my hut by a bush fire, that had been wilfully started about a mile off. Several others suffered more or less — one party in particular, who lost a large amount of sawn timber which was intended for fluming on the Pomahaka, and a man that was passing through the bush at the time, was nearly snffocated. Again last summer I had to remain up at night to beat the fire from the hut; and others had narrow escapes of losing their homes by conflagrations that were also wilfully started. I shall not make any comments on the above, suffice it to say that I have stated facts which cannot be contradicted. Let those who have the management of the public estate, if they wish to preserve this bush, see to it before it is too late.

There is nothing new in mining matters here. All hands are working away, endeavoring to contribute as much as they can to tho revenue in the production of gold, and consumption of dutiable goods. The same may be said of the Wbitccomb and surrounding gullies.

The Waikaia is pretty low again, and several of the claims have commenced work, but the owners of the others will not commence until after Christina 5 !, as the river will be subject to freshes till that time, from snow falls, one of which we have had this week, but I do not anticipate much harm from it as it was not heavy. The crops are looking first-rate. We have had a pretty long spell of dry weatner that was beginning to affect them for the worse, fortunately, rain | came in the nick of time to prevent any serious damage. I have just seen a programme of sports to be held on Boxing Day, at Frenchmen's Hill, Switzers. About £30 is to be competed for in prizes varying from £3 to £5. I hear sports are also to be held on tue same day on Waikaia Flat.