THREE FIRES.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1650, 17 January 1913, Page 5

THREE FIRES.

OUTBREAKS ON THE y ARAHURA.

MYSTERIOUS FACTS.

INCENDIARISM SUSPECTED.

Three outbreaks of flro, about which thoro appear to bo a number of mysterious and suspicious circumstances occurred on board tho Union Company's steamer Arahura last evening vvhilo elio was berthed at tho Queen's wharf, , Tho first alarm was givon about (3.15 p in., when sinoko was seen issuing from tho Ventilators situated in the after part of tlio vessel. Tho city fir© brigado wcro quickly on tho scene and v succeeded iu overcoming tho outbreak. Tho second firo occurred about 8 p,m. in tho second-class stewardess's, room which Has in closo proximity to tho first outbreak. This second firo was put out by i tho second officer (Mr, Slzer) and some of tho vessel's crew. Tho third and last firo occurred, at 0.27 p m. in tho second-class sleeping apartments, some.distance awayfrom tho first two outbreaks, but also m the after part - of tho vessel. All three fires occurred within tho i spaoo of three hours and all were in tho second-class accommodation of tho Arohura. ' Tho damage was, comparatively speaking, slight, several mattresses, blankets, and rugs being charred and burned, Some damago was uh=o dono by water being used at tho second fire. When tho first outbreak occurred it w'as located in that part of tho 6hip, eiti.ated in tho stern, which was used as a stor-' age room for beds and bedding. This fiio was put out, and everything appeared quite safe, and a man was set on watch below. , Tho fire, whioh occurred in. tho stewardesses' room, was discovered by o hulk- , keeper whoso vessol was lymg alongsido tho Arahura. JIo gave the alarm, and tho second officer immediately got a hoso to work, and after smashing tho cabin door, which wns locked, ho succeeded in overcoming the outbreak. Up till this time thoro was Ho suspicion, of foul play, and again eveiyttung nppoarcd to bo safe. At 9.27 p.m., howovci, stnoko was seen issuing from, some , ventilators again, and tho alarm was at once given. When the brigade nmved, smoko was seen issuing from tho Arahura's portholes, and there was a dis- v tinct smell of firo in the air. For the space of about twenty minutes things appeared to bo serious to onlookers'on the s » w half, but soon all fear was atlajed. When the firemen it ore seen ooniinp up' from below, and carrying their gear with thorn —tho firo was out. When tho 6ccno of destruction was survcjed it gave ono tho impression that tho fires had been tho work of some nns- i crcant, and subsequent investigation by , ' tho polico added colour to tho thooiy. It is a significant coincidence that there were throe distinct outbreaks at threo different times, and in three different placos, and hero aro 6aid tp be 6lin<o 6us- , picious circumstances connected with tho movements of a man who had.ltfen on the Arahura, Thoso circumstances have been reported to iho polioo, who aro making careful inquiries into tho whole niaU tci. " * "1