THE BUSH FIRES.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9057, 17 February 1908, Page 5

THE BUSH FIRES.

STILL RAGING BEHIND MATAHIWI.

VALUABLE BUSH BEING CONSUMED.

HARDSHIPS OF MIKI MIKI SETTLERS.

Apparently the bush fires in the direction of Matahiwi and Miki Miki are encompassing the destruction of a large area of country. Last night, and in fact all day yesterday, the town was filled with smoke, and the whole landscape to the west of the town was enveloped to such a degree that the ranges were entirely obscured, and even close objects of magnitude were undiscernable. The fires have not advanced perceptibly nearer in the direction of the town, but what wind blew yesterday came from the hills, and thus charged the atmosphere with the objectionable smoke.

Reports from the Matahiwi Valley go to show that the fire which started in the Government forest reserve on Sunday of last week worked more mischief this last two or three days than during the earlier stages of the conflagration, it is surmised that the fire has reached the top of the high ridge of hills flanking the north of the bank of the upper Waingawa, and known as the Blue Range. It is also likely that the flames have worked downwards into the Waingawa Valley itself. Should such be the case the damagt will be the bush is of the most valuable character. It has been the last home of native game—now becoming all too rare in these parts —for many years, and the bush itself is the characteristic forest of the best New Zealand timber country.

Settlers in the lower Miki Miki Valley have had an anxious time since Thursday last. A fire started behind Messrs Chamberlain, Hunt ana Formans' properties, and a dozen men were kept busy fighting the flames, as their respective homesteads were threatened. Mr Forman has lost a considerable area of grass, ar.d other settlers have suilered

losses. The Miki Miki district is a favourite resort just now, and sportsmen have been blamed for carelessness with their matches and so starting some of the fires. This may not be justified, but several of the fires have had an inexplicable origin. The conflagration which has caused so much damage in the Government reserve originated mysteriously, and if a careless picnic or other party is to blame the destruction wrought by this fire may serve as a lesson to others.

IN THE MANAWATU DISTRICT.

PALMERSTON N., February 16. Fires were raging last night in the Pohangma, Komako ar.d Apiti districts, and have done much damage, a number of settlers being severely affected. This evening the fires have died down somewhat, and so relieved the situation, but it' only want* a high north wind to devastate the whole valley cf Pohangina.

IMMENSE DAMAGE IN AUCKLAND PROVINCE.

AUCKLAND, February 36.

The city and harbour are still tnveloped in a haze of smoke from the bush fires, greatly delaying shipping. The Opa'-ao district has suffered immense damage. One estimate gives the total loss sustained by the settlers at fully £20,000. During the last couple of days the town of Raglan has been completely hidden with smoke, and burned ashes are being carried into town by the wind. Feed has been destroyed in every direction, and as a result the Kauroa Dairy Factory will have to close down within the next few days. In the Okete district through burning furze the flames took possession of a large track of open country. It was with much difficulty that Miss Wilson's and Mr Norman King's flaxmills were saved. Messrs Peeler Bros, had the misfortune to lose about 250 acres of grass, including last year's sowing.

Mr J. Belcher and family had to desert- their home at Kauroa and seek shelter at Raglan, owing to. the fires surrounding his house,iwhich it i's believed has been destroyed. A Dargaville tetegram states that the Okapakapa swamp at Aoroa is afire. A large quantity of flax has been destroyed.

The property of Mr Harding, in the Oturei swamp at Aratapu is also ablaze, and flax belonging to the natives has been destroyed. At Buckland, as the result of sparks from a passing, traction engine, a fire occurred in Mr J. Hartland's property, and one of the best pieces of bush which remain in the district was destroyed.

Reports from Mokai slate that a fine totara bush now being milled by the Taupo Totara Timber Company is in danger of being swept away.