A RACE WITH FIRE.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 714, 9 January 1903, Page 3

A RACE WITH FIRE.

THRILLING ADVENTURE IN THE

MOTU

, Tha licensee of the Motu Hotel, Mr j Christian Hansen, had an exciting adi venture this week, when driving into : town. He had with him as passen- ; gers Mrs Atkins and children, wno.se experience will long be remembered. The chief discomfiture commenced on about nine miles having been covered. A fallen tree, burning liercely, blocked, the track, and had to he cut through and a passage cleared before the vehicle could lie got past. That obstacle having been safely negotiated, the next serious stoppage was made a few miles further on, where there was another burning tree lying across the track. Settlers were apprised of the predicament, and kindly assisted to get the tree removed, though at the time the heat from the busn fires was very oppressive, and a dense pall of smoke hung about. All went well then for awhile, but. the travellers had a very perilous experience. In passing through the Maugatawa hush and when about ten miles from I’oittutu, it was found that the bush was on lire, and the wind was blowing towards the track. Mr Hansen then pressed the’horses onward, making all haste to get through the bush The horses responded gamely, and each minute brought the party nearer to the open. Tne end of the bush had been almost readied, when to the dismay of the little party an ominous gust of wind swept through the bush, and the angry names were swiftly following, there being a tremendous roar as the bush was neing licked up by the iiery tongues of name. There was still the hope that by goading the horses on to a racing pace, the names could be avoided. But a snort distance more !—would 'they manage to get through ? Every moment the lire came nearer, and the horses were terrified. There could be no thought of turning back —the one nope was to reach the opening. A few seconds more and the party would be sate—if tliey could elude a fiercer chase than ever that was being made by the roaring lire. Seconds only were required, but it seemed many long minutes ere tne trap emerged into the open. The party were safe, but Mr Hansen, who had thoughtfully sought to shield the lady and children, had his whiskers singed, and the manes and tails of the horses had suffered likewise. Had the party been a minute later, it is probable that there would have been a sad tale to tell. A man inexperienced in the bush, and who would not have foreseen the danger in time to make good his escape, would have fared badly. Mr Wright, who got ahead of Mr Hansen, was fortunate. Having a light trap, he was able to hoist it over the two fallen trees, and therefore had not much delay.