GRASS FIRES IN THE CHRISTCHURCH DISTRICT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2090, 16 January 1908, Page 2

GRASS FIRES IN THE CHRISTCHURCH DISTRICT.

FIIIE-FIGHTER SHOCKINGLY

BURNED

LITTLE HOPE OF RECOVERY

Press Association.

CHRISTCHURCH, Jan. 15. A grass fire broke out on the Cashmere Hills this afternoon, and spread for a considerable distance over the Gish mere Estate. Before it was subdued, and while the fire was at its -height, a terrible experience befel Aik AATn. Aloon, the caretaker' of Victoria Park. "He was one of the most energetic of the workers who were fighting the flames, and apparently one of the most venturesome. Re seems to have detached himself from the main body of the workers, and advanced alone into a gully to extinguish the fire'among some large tussocks. AA’hilo he was thus engaged tho fire crept past him on either side, and before he was aware o r it he was surrounded by a- seething and quickly advancing mass of flames. He made a dash for safety, but bo fore he had gone more than a fev yards li-is clothes were on- fire, am! he was practically unable to move. Ho was then seen by a young mar named Bright, gesticulating and call ing desperately to -a crowd of work ers .who were engaged on tho eas side of the flames. The roar of fin (lames and the strong wind blowin; against him must have prevented hi cries bring heard. As soon a Bright was aware of Moon's terribh predicament he called to another young man, and together they dashed to his assistance. Aloon. when -they reached him, was in a shocking con dition. but was. quite conscious. Al ! bis clothing with tho exception o' bis boots and l an -undershirt, had beei burned off. and he was frightfully in jured. Bright and his assistant- .carried him to the school buildings whero first- aid was rendered by a constable and -a -resident of the lo cality. An express was secured ahd Aloon was sent to the hospital, but he is not expected to live.