HORAHORA FIRE

Hokitika Guardian, 3 September 1928, Page 1

HORAHORA FIRE

£20,000 DAMAGE TO PLANT. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) HAMILTON, Sept. 2. A serious breakdown in the hydroelectric power of the Auckland Province has been occasioned by a fire at the Horahora transformer plant last night. Tho plant is now entirely out of action, thus occasioning a .shortage of 11,000 kilowatts. One bank of transformers, with a capacity of 4000 kilowatts, however, 'is undamaged and the staff hope to recommission this portion promptly.

There is no serious inconvenience to-day, as the industrial plants wore not working, hut the shortage of current probably will lie severely felt tomorrow.

The extent of the damage is not accurately known, but it is estimated at £20,000.

Tho engineers intend to link up with the Arapuni transformer station, but only about 2,500 kilowatts will thus be obtainable, leaving a considerable shortage for an indefinite period. The origin of the (ire is unknown. Some oil liecame ignited, and the flames spread through the woodwork to tho roof. The staff held tho fire in check with extinguishers and summoned the Hamilton Fire Brigade with a powerful pumping plant. After two and a half hours, work, the Brigade extinguished the fire.

The generating plant remains in tact.

Owing to tlie failure at Horaliora last night, the Hamilton picture theatres stopped their entertainments.