THE BUSH FIRES.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9059, 20 February 1908, Page 5

THE BUSH FIRES.

ALARMING SITUATION AT RAETIHI.

BY TELEGRAPH—MES3 ASSOCIATION

TAIHAPE, February 19. Strong winds have freshened the fires in the Waimarino. The flames Jiave seized hold of the Government timber reserve round Raetihi, neces- ' sitating all the residents turning out. *\ Bucket brigades have been formed, and so far the 1 fire has been held in check. The situation, however, u alarming, as the town is practically threatened if the wind becomes stronger.

A FINE SIGHT.

WOODVILLE, February 19.

Bush fires started up again yesterday, owing to a fresh wind blowing from the south. Last night the Gorge hills were a fine sight, being ablaze for miles along the top. A fierce fire is raging in the bit of .bush near the freezing works, but nodaager is anticipated. This morning the smoke has cleared from the town, and th 3 fires ha"e apparently burned out.

MANY MILES OF FIRES

HOUSE IN HELENSVILLE

DESTROYED

AUCKLAND, February 19

From all over the country accounts are received regarding damage done by bush fires, and the city is still enveloped in a haze of smoke. To-day a fire threatened the Cambridge Sanatorium.

In the Northern Wairoa district miles and miles of country are burning. At Helensville a six-roomed house, occupied by Mr Reylands and family, was destroyer}, having caught fire from sparks carried from burning bush. The Waitere bush in the Waihi district, containing millions of f«et of valuable timber, has been blazing since the end of the Jweek, and the Mataura Valley bush is also on fire.

IN THE TARANAKI DISTRICT,

NEW PLYMOUTH. February 19.

The SasH and Door Company's mill on the Egmont road has been destroyed. The loss is estimated at £3,000. The insurances are small. It is thought that the Newall Road School will be lost. Several families have been brought into town, but it is'unknown how their houses have fared. The situation improved a little this morning, and milking was carried on where danger existed last night. The country towards Mokau is full of fire'and smoke.