"The pine plantation in the Uriarra Cotter Valley district was almost completely burnt out. The 10-year-old trees — the most valuable of the plantation are stated to be gutted.
On the other side of the river a change of wind saved Woodstock station homestead. The owner, Mr. Clive Retallack, was at home with only his aged mother and one employee. His father and wife were cut off on another part of the station, and the road to the house was impassable for three hours.
Mr. Retallack had packed what personal effects he could into his car and was preparing to dash for the river and safety when, within half a mile of the house, the fire suddenly changed direction with a wind switch. The wind beat the fire back from the road and helpers were able to get through, the first being the Canberra Health Inspector (Mr. H. Johnston).
Squads of men toiled throughout Saturday night douching burning trees on Huntly and Woodstock properties to prevent the fires re-starting.
Women and children were evacuated from Mt. Stromlo on Saturday afternoon, and the men residents were advised to leave if the wind changed. The wind held.
PANIC AT URIARRAAt Uriarra Station the total damage is estimated at £2,000, in addition to grazing land burnt out. Two groups of 40 men went out early on Saturday to make fire-breaks, but the fire was on them before their work was completed.
As the flames shot overhead through tree-tops a panic developed among the squad. Truck drivers refused to leave until all the men were aboard. One man became hysterical and was quietened by a blow on the jaw. With lighted branches falling around them the trucks finally brought the men to safety.
FIRE RACES TOWARDS HALLThe track of this fire passed through Glenwood Station, owned by Mr. J. B. Hibberson, and then spread fanwise into sparsely timbered country on a five-mile front.
On Saturday afternoon the small squad of men could do no more than concentrate on the fringe of the fire, stopping it within half a mile of Mr. G. E. Brown's Holmwood property. Mrs. Brown and her two children were taken out of the danger area immediately the fire crossed the river.
The tongue of the fire raced on unchecked, at times attaining speeds up to 40 miles an hour up grass-covered tunnels between hills, until it was stopped by a side road. The wind kept it deflected well clear of Hall township, but all precautions to evacuate the township were taken in the event of the wind changing to menace the locality. Throughout the day only two able-bodied men were left in Hall to direct volunteer fighters to the right road.
Close Call at TidbinbillaSpeaking from the fire-fighters base at Mrs. Syd. Flint's homestead Tidbinbilla, late last night, Mr. Jock Maxwell, of Queanbeyan, reported that the fires had been brought under control in that area.
The outbreak occurred in the Tidbinbilla district early on Saturday, presumably by sparks wafted from other fires miles away in the mountains.
After a desperate fight the flames were stopped about 100 yards from Mrs. Syd. Flint's homestead.
The fire spread from Booroomba Station through the Mt. Tennant country to Naas district where large number of men were concentrated last night.
SHEEP PERISH IN FIREAll the homesteads in the Tidbinbilla district were saved, but stock losses are reported to be heavy. It was estimated that 300 sheep perished on Mr. P. H. Flint's Congwarra property, as well as numerous cattle and horses.
The fire burned to the boundary of Mr. H. C. A. Reid's Tidbinbilla station, but the buildings were reported to be safe last night.
A party of 11 Queanbeyan residents reinforced local farmers in the fight to save the homesteads. The men rested for a few hours and will continue mopping up operations at daylight this morning.
All the fencing and thousands of acres of valuable grass land has been destroyed."