A BIG BLAZE

Hokitika Guardian, 17 October 1929, Page 5

A BIG BLAZE

SOAP WORKS BURNT. (By Telegraph— Per Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, October 17. Considerable damage was caused yesterday evening bv a fire which destroyed the soap works, ow'ned by J. Patrick, in Sockburn. It was the most spectacular blaze since the oil store fire in Carlyle Street, with frequent explosions as iron drums burst und huge masses of flame. While attempting salvage J. Potter had a narrow escape, be'.ng dragged out cf a well of boiling tallow in the nick of time. His leg was scalded.

A GREAT SPECTACLE.

CHRiISTOHUIvGH, October 17

Tallow fat and resin formed the main fuel for the fire, which, in a very short time, assumed great proportions. Within a few minutes of the outbreak, the building was a mass of flalme. The roof collapsed, sending up showers of sparks. Dense olouds of black smoke and vapour added to the impressiveness of the scene and attracted spectators from all parts of the city. The Building was outside the fire brigade area, So fierce was the blaze that any attempt to fight the flames had little effect. Nevertheless a band of .a dozen factory employees toiled stubbornly with a bucket ohain drawing water from a. small creek nearby. Their efforts confined the blaze, to the main structure and .saved casks of tallow, which W'ere lying close to the building.

The great heat made it impossible to approach the main part of the blaze When the fire reached the vats in which was stored soap, in the course of manufacture, the heat became so terrific that the crowd were forced to fall back some distance.

THE INSURANCES. ' . CHRISTCHURCH, -, October 17. The Sockburn fire damage .is estimated at £2OOO of which £1375 is covered ,by • insurance in the London Lancashire Office. • I, : : • •** -