DISASTROUS FIRE AT GORE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 140, 2 March 1918, Page 8

DISASTROUS FIRE AT GORE

. o CEREAL MILLS GUTTED. - By TeleErapli.-Prese Association Gore, March 1. A most disastrous fire_ occurred at 7 o'clock to-day at Fleming i'ompany's extensive cereal mills, whic)? were almost completely gutted. The damage will run well into five figures. The fire was first noticed in the oatmeal department, and spread with astonishing rapidity through the ereamoata works storage department.! From the oatmeal department it spread to tho third floor, and in 25 minutes the flames were through the roof on tho fourth floor. Falling beams and machinery rapidly carried the/flames to the basement at the south end of tho building, which was partially saved, including the offices. The two floors above were mostly liked for the storage of flour-making material, the firm carrying very henvy stocks of raw materia]. The fire occurred at the worst time 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 the somewhat poor pressure. Tile fire is still (9.30), ■burning, but is well in hand. The insurances, in the New Zealand Office, are not available vet. Thirty-five hands have been rendered idle.

FLAXMILL DESTROYED. Foxton, March 1. > Saunders's flaxmill, at Moutoa, was totally destroyed by fire yesterday afternoon. The loss is estimated at between £600 and £800.