BUSH FIRES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2095, 22 January 1908, Page 2

BUSH FIRES.

NAPIER ENVELOPED IN SMOKE. .... Press Association. , NAPIER, Jan. 21. ho people of Napier had a somewhat unusual experience to-dav. tho town from an early hour until about 11 a.ra. boing almost enveloped in smoke. So dense was the smoko that it had all tho appearance of a very thick fog, save that the atmosphere was hot and oppressive. The smoko was evidently coming from hush and grass fires, and judging by tho immense quantity of smoke, and tho extreme heat, the fires were judged to be close at hand. At first the pnbl;c had nothing but wild rumors, in place of information, but about midday authentic news was received of big bush fires at Poliui and Puketitiri. At both of those places there was for a time great danger of tho sawmills and the workmen’s homes being burnt. At both places, however, a change of wind about 1 p.m. altered tho direction of tho firo, and relieved the anxiety to some oxtent. A considerable quantity of valuable bush, however, has been burnt at each place. At Makaretu a big firo raged fiercely for a time in tho bush, though it was chiefly confined to one gully, and so far has done little damage. A grass firo destroyed several hundred acres of grass near Grissoge, and other similar fires are reported in several places between Te Ante and Waimarama, though whether they have been serious or not- is not known. At Norsewood the fires which have been burning freely for several days in the bush in the vicinity were fanned by a strong wind yesterday morning, and this came sweeping down the Ngaharoko Valley, leaving desolation in its track. Five farm-houses, belonging to Messrs. J. O’Hara, C. P. Anderson. Alf Olsen, J. Veale, and P. M. C’olir, were destroyed, and two bridges on the Ngamoko-Norsewood main road were burnt. It is believed that the Ngamoko _ Creamery and P. M. Colir’n sawmill are certain to go. At Makotuku, Gamman Bros. No. 1 Rakiatia sawmill is also considered to be very likely to go. If the wind does not change grave fears are entertained for many other settlers’ homes in the vicinity.

BLAZE AT NELSON. NELSON, Jan. 21. Bush and grass fires are still burning in all parts of the district. Another and more serious outbreak is reported to have occurred to-day in tlio Whangapapa, and settlers are out defending their homes and stock. No reliable reports of damage have vet come to hand.

FIRES APPROACHING PALMERSTON. PALMERSTON N., Jan. 21. On Tuesday a bush fire raged to the extent of over a mile, through the centre of the Manawatu gorge. A number of bridges have been burnt, and Palmerston is enveloped in heavy smoke today. and the fires are approaching much closer.