THE RECENT CHRISTCHURCH FIRE

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 48, 20 November 1907, Page 10

THE RECENT CHRISTCHURCH FIRE

AN INQUIRY. (by telegraph—press . association.) Christchuroh, November 19. The Christchurck Fire Board held au inquiry to-night concerning tho fire at the Kaiapoi Company's warehouso on Wednesday morning last. The evidence showed that the two city brigades turned out very promptly after the alarms were given, and a motioil to. that effect was carried. Several of the witnesses stated that if an automatic liru alarm system had been installed throughout tho warehouse the alarm would have ucen received quite threo hours earlier, and itwould then have been possiblo to' have checked the outbreak, and have prevented the ontire destruction of the building and contents. Several suggestions made as to the outcomo of the fire were referred to tho plant and staff committee. Judging from tho naturo of cable messages received by the manager of tho Kaiapoi Woollen Company, it would seem that an entirely false impression exists abroad as to tho extent of the fire, which destroyed out! of the Kaiapoi Company's buildings. • Xhe fire, as is well known locally s occurred .in thu warehouso ' where the ofbees wero also located, and the mills and clothing factory and the bulk stores, being in different localities, wero not affected in tho least. The stability and prospects of tho Company aro in no wise affected, and tho business will bo carried on as usual, temporary promises having boon procured for tho warohouse and offices. No hands have been thrown out of employment, and since the firo full wages have been paid to all who worked in vhe warehouse that was destroyed.