FIRE AT GREYMOUTH

Hokitika Guardian, 16 January 1925, Page 1

FIRE AT GREYMOUTH

GREY-MOUTH, January IC. Shortly before 12.-lo p.m. yesterday an outbreak of fire in the timber-plan-ing mill of Messrs Stratford, Blair and Company, at the western side of town opposite ihe Railway Goodsheds, was indicated by tlie spectacle of dense billows of smoke rising from ihe roof. At the time the mill was idle, it being the lunch hour, or otherwise the staff probably would have noticed the outbreak sooner. "Word reached the Eire Station from the Telephone Exchange, and the central hell at 12.15 gave the alarm. Before five minutes had elapsed, the Eire Brigade were on the scene, blit the fire had then gained a strong hold in the upper storey, where it had originated in a heap of shavings and sawdust in the south-east corner, near the furnace. From hydrants at A rimy Street corner and in front of the mill, several leads of hose were run out, but the pressure of water was found to he a poor one, owing no doubt in part to the fact that at the time the Railway Department’s supply of water was being drawn from the mains. The lire had a good hold but by a quarter past one, the flames had practically been all put out, and thus was effected what, considering the hold of the fire on the very dry materials, must, be considered a very creditable save on the Eire Brigade’s part. Except for the water, and posssibly some degree of heating the machinery escaped damage, but the building itself was damaged considerably, the roof now requiring to be completely renewed, while the interior framework, flooring and fixtures will also need replacement. The insurances on the building, plant, and stock total .£SOO, being with the Phoenix Office, and this should cover the damage. It is expected that the mill will be able to resume operations next week. The firm have an economical method of fuelling the furnace, using the mill refuse, by means of a, vent feeder, and there is practically perfect combustion. ‘1 lie roluso pile must have blazed up suddenly, because it was visited not long previously, and no sign of fire was to be seen. The staff noticed the fire just before the alarm was given, were telephoning when the bell rang. The damage to the building i.s estimated at £3OO.