THE BUSH FIRES ON THE COAST. [BY TELEGRAPH.-PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Waikato Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2109, 14 January 1886, Page 2

THE BUSH FIRES ON THE COAST. [BY TELEGRAPH.-PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

New Plymouth, Tuesday. The bush fires have been subdued, and all danger may how be said to be over. A telegram came into New Plymouth hist night that the fire had broken out at Eltham. and volunteers from New Plymouth went in a special train, but the fire was not serious and was at once put. out. The special engine came in at four o'clock this morning when all was safe. A meeting of the Cential Relief Committee took place at noon to-day, the Mayor of New Plymouth presiding. It was resohed that a telegram should be bent to the Mayors. in other parts of the colony, heartily thanking the people for their sympathy and offers of aid, and stating that the fires were now sinking, and, so far as Ascertained, the amount locally subscribed would be sufficient. Should further need arise, the committee will gladly avail itself of the proffer of further aid. It was also suggested that the Hawera committee should co-operate with the Central Committee in the division of subscription. That committee has engaged Mr Skinner to ascertain the extent of the damage and the probable amount of claims. Christchubch, Tueeduy. A meeting of citizens convened by the Mayor was held to-day, to take meabures for the relief of the sufferers by the Taranaki fire. No action was taken, in consequence of of the information telegraphed from New Plymouth, to the effect that the amount already subscribed was sufficient. The Mayor expres&ed the opinion that if it was found that substantial help was yet needed, Chnstehurch would be prepared to lend a helping hand.

[by telegraph.— press association.] New Plymouth, Wednesday. Steady rain fell yesterday at Stratford and during the night here. The tires are therefore partially out, and all danger is over. Subscriptions are still coming in. Amongst the large amounts are— Bank of New Zealand, £30 ; officers of the Property Tax Department, £15; Northern S.S^Co., £5 ss. The amounts of the subscriptions here now tot up to £700. Thames, Wednesday. Numbers of swamp fires have raged since the beginning week between Thames and Paeioa. The residence of a settler named Cubb was destroyed by flame-, but no further damage of a serious nature is reported.