FIRE ON THE RIVER.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 441, 10 November 1908, Page 2

FIRE ON THE RIVER.

Two Steamers Nearly Destroyed.

Dameg} Estimated at about

£BOO.

Shortly before four o’clock yesterday morning, the fire bell rang out an alarm, and a glare was noticed in the direction of Messrs Levin and Co.’s dumping sheds. Residents proceeded from all directions to the scene of the fire, which happened to be on two river steamers, the “ Mataura ” ai d “ Planet,” owned by the Manawatu River Service, for whom Messrs Levin and Co. are agents.

The boats were moored abreast alongside Messrs Levin and Co.’s wharf, the “ Planet ” being ou the western side. There was no one aboard either vessel at the time of the outbreak, and there had been no fire in the furnace of either steamer since 10 a.m. ou Saturday. Mr G, W. Morgan, local agent, inspected the boats and shed ou on Saturday night at 9.45 as usual, and everything then appeared safe.

Mr M. Perreau first noticed the outbreak, and lost no time in ringing the bell of the s.s. Gertie, which was moored at the Government wharf, and then sounded the alarm on the town bell. The seamen aboard the s.s. Gertie cut the boats from their moorings in order to save the wharf and they drifted about 50 yards past the sheds and grounded on the beach. Several people set to work with buckets to put out the flames, but the “Planet” was completely done for. The “ Mautaura ” was gutted, but it is possible to re-build and re-fit her.

Incendiarism is expected, and the police have the matter in hand. Detective Quirke is also investigating. The boats were to have been used yesterday to convey excursionists to the beach.

Both boats have been engaged in the river service for many years. The loss is estimated at about £BOO. W.e are unable to ascertain whether there is any insurance. A stiff westerly breeze was blowat the time of the outbreak.