DISASTROUS FIRE

Hokitika Guardian, 7 February 1931, Page 3

DISASTROUS FIRE

IN WAIROA FREEZING WORKS. (By Telegraph.—Special to Guardian). WAIROA, February 6. The most disastrous fire in Wairoa history meaning the ruination of the district, after the recent earhquake occurred last night resulting in ttie almost complete destruction of the large freezing works of Wairoa Co-op-erative Meat Coy., throwing out of emlovmeiit nearly two hundred men. Owing to the Borough water mams being out of action, there was only a small emergency supply at the works but this was useless. If the usual water had been available the outbreak would probably have been mastered, but as it was the fire brigade was help% less, the copflagafton presenting an aw einspiring sight.

All the freezing chambers were destroyed with fifty thousand freight car cases ready for shipment by the Northumberland at Waikokopu to-day. The engine room and three freezing blocks have gone, the pelts department is gutted, but the offices, staff cottages, boarding house, sawmill and timber yard, and manure building are untouched.

'Flic ashes pi led up in a huge mass eight feet high. Ammonia cylinders during the fire burst with terrific explosions and were hurled in all directions.

The huge loss is a tremendous blow to local farmers

Insurances in Eagle Star and British Dominions but the amount is unavailable. The origin of the fire is unknown, but it is believed to have started in the store.