THE BUSH FIRES.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume IX, Issue 2820, 11 February 1888, Page 2

THE BUSH FIRES.

Further Damage Done.

Gold Prospectors Burnt Out.

As we surmised'yesterday, the gold prospectors on the hills seem to have been in considerable danger from the ' bush fires. In the instance of those in the Waingawar watershed, it seems that some one lit a fire up . the river which travelled down and caught, the scrub and trees hr the Gorge compelling a party consisting of Messrs Barker, Check, Green, and Cobb to fly for their lives,-aud sacrifice to the flames the whole of their para■phernalia ■ including tents,' jfe. . gage and provisions. Tlio . only ; article ' saved; was a favorite long J handled shovel, which one of the'V#

prospectors managed, to cany off in his hurried flight. After burning the gold-seekers' camp the .fire travelled on and consumed the house and belongings of Mr Ridgway, and the hut of Mr Green at Fernridge, and it was only owing to the timely arrival of the prospecting party that by desperate exertions Mr Field's place was saved. By this morning all danger was over, and the fire was merely smouldering.

A fire occurred on Thursday night on Mr T. E, Chamberlain's property at Miki-Miki, Waipoua, and a lot of hay, stockyard, cowshed, and'a considerable quantity of fencing were burnt. The house also had a narrow escape, The hay had been cut and was being stored in-a stack of ten tons for use at Mr Chamberlain's farm, so that a considerable loss has resulted.