HBH 1896 March 3 4 WHAKARARA Particulars have reached me this afternoon of a bush fire at WHAKARARA. A family named WOOTEN lived on the side of the Mangataraura creek on Mr BARLOW'S property. The fire came along so swiftly that Mrs WOOTEN got their goods out of the house they were, with the house, entirely consumed before they could remove them. Including a sewing machine, side saddle, bed and bedding, blankets etc. The husband was working 15 miles away at the time, and the wife and the children had to cross the river three times before they got into a place of safety. The consequence of these fires means absolute ruin to many people, who have no present resources.