BUSH AND GRASS FIRES.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 238, 22 January 1898, Page 2

BUSH AND GRASS FIRES.

(by telegraph— own coreesponpext). Wellington, Last Night. Subscription list 3 liave been opened by the Mayor and both local pipers in aid of the sufferers by the tush fires. . It is alleged that' some of the worst fires on the hills to the right of the Hutt Valley we're caused by private individuals improperly starting burns. Detestives are making inquiries. The Minister for Education is to-leave frr the Forty Mile Bush district on Saturday for the purpose of gaining an idea of the havoc caused by the bush fires.

Christciiurch, Last Night. About GOOO bushels of grass seed have been destroyed on the Peninsula by the recent grass fires." The loss is close on £14,000. Mr Meredith,.M.H.R., apmt Monday going through the Oxford and Woodside districts, which were devastated by Friday's bush fires, and he is convinced that the harm done is even more serious than at first supposed. The damage to private property amounts to not less than £20,000, to which must be added great injury to the bush on Grown land.

'Tahiatua, Last Night, Lord Ranfurly sent a message of sympathy to the sufferers by the bush fires. At a public meeting last night, .Which was largely attended, it was decided to raise funds for the relief of the settlers rendered destitute by the fires. Lord Raufnrly sent twenty-five pomids to the reljef fund,