BUSH AND GRASS FIRES.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9029, 16 January 1908, Page 5

BUSH AND GRASS FIRES.

OUTBREAK ON CASHMERE HILLS.

A SHOCKING OCCURRENCE. MAN ENVELOPED IN FLAMES. 1 CHRISTCHURCH, January 15. A grass fire broke out on the Cashmere Hills this afternoon, and spread for a considerable distance over the Cashmere estate before it was subdued. While the fire was at its highest a terrible experience befel Mr William Moon, the caretaker of Victoria Park. He was one of the most energetic of the workers who wero fighting the flames, ami apparently one of the venturesome. He seems to have detached himself from the main body of the workers, and advanced a'one into a gully to extinguish the fire among some large tussocks. While he was thus engaged the fire crept past him on to the other side, and before he was aware of it he was surrounded by a quickly advancing mass of flame. He made a dash for safety, but before he had gone more than a few yards his clothes were on fire, and he was practically unable to move. He was then seen by a young man named Bright, gesticulating and calling des-1 perately to a crowd of workers, who were engaged on the east side of the j fire. The roar of the flames and the strong wind blowing against him must have prevented his cries being heard. As soon as Bright was of Moon's terrible predicament he" called to a young man, and together they dashed to his assistance. Moon, when they reached him, was in a shocking condition, but quite conscious. All his clothing, with the exception of his boots and an undershirt, had been burnt off, and he was frightfully injured. Bright and his assistant carried him to the school buildings, where first aid was rendered by a constable and a resident of the locality. An express was secured and Moon was sent to the hospital, but he is not expected to live.

SERIOUS GRASS FIRES IN HORORATA. CHRISTCHURCH, January 15. Reports to hand say that a big grass fire is raging at Hororata, covering something under 20,000 acres. Farmers have suffered severe loss, including much fencing and some stock. A SETTLER'S HOME BURNT. GISBORNE, January 15. Bush fires have been causing much anxiety in the Motu district. A house occupied by Mr W. B. Orr was burned down, and everything lost. At other places working together to save property. As far as is known only the one house is destroyed. It was insured for £SOO. But the loss considerably exceeds that amount. LEVIN, January 15. Bush and grass fires in the vicinity of Levin are causing considerable discomfort, and the want of rain is becoming serious. DANNEIVRKE, January 15. The bush fires have abated somewhat, though the atmosphere is still very heavy with smoke.