FIGHT WITH FLAMES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 51, 30 January 1932, Page 6

FIGHT WITH FLAMES.

MENACE ON HAURAKI 'PLAINS.

AUCKLAND, Jan. 29. Thousands of acres of valuable dairy land and many homesteads on the Hauraki Plains are still in danger of damage owing to the spread of peat and old forest fires. Early this afternoon it was reported that an area of 500 acres, was practically, a sea of flames at Kaihere, the property being thht of Mr E. E. Smallfield, who yesterday with his family vacated his dwelling. All his dairy stock was removed to a place of safety. ~ ‘‘lf the fire spreads the damage to pasture land and property will be tremendous,” said a settler. “A desperate fight has been waged, day apd night for several days, and is still in progress. All we pray for is calm weather. A strong blow would give us no chance whatever, but if the weather remains tranquil for a few days we hope, with the water at'• c’r disposal and the extra help we are obtaining, to keep the outbreak within reasonable limits.” A block of some hundreds of acres of Government land which has been planted in flax is now being invaded bv the fire. The area affected contains between 500 and 600 acres of growing flax. Officers .of the Lands Department are making desperate efforts to save the area. ' A report from Ngatea this afternoon stated that four telegraph wires were down. The wind was veering round toward the south and efforts were being , made to prevent the flames from crossing the main road. There were 80 men engaged in fire-fighting.