FIRE AT GORE.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16150, 2 March 1918, Page 7

FIRE AT GORE.

1 CREAMOATA MILL DESTROYED. (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGHAII.) GORE, March 1. . A disastrous fire occurred at-7 o'clock to-day, when Fleming and Co.'s extensive cereal mills were almost completely gutted. The damage runs well into five figures. The fire was first noticed in the oatmeal department. It spread with astonishing rapidity through the Creamoata works, the storage department, and . the oatmeal department. It spread to the third floor, and in 25 minutes' "the flames were through the roof on the 1 fourth floor. Falling beams and machinery rapidly carried the flames to the basement. The south end of the buildin<r was partially saved, including the offices. The two floors above. wero mostly used for the storage of flour. The firm -was carrying very heavy stocks of raw material, and the fire occurred at the worst titnc of the year, the season's contracts just having been completed. The brigade did splendid work, but was hampered in coping with the outbreak owing to somewhat poor pressure. The insurances, which are in the New Zealand office, are unavailable yet. The fire was still burning at 9.30, but was well in hand. Thirty-fivo hands are thrown out of employment.