FIRE ON THE RIVER BANK.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 926, 3 December 1910, Page 2

FIRE ON THE RIVER BANK.

scutching shed destroyed. At about half-past one yesterday, the continual blowing of a tiaxmill whistle gave the alarm that one of the mills on the river bank was on fire. Upon investigation, it was found that the outbreak was in the scutching shed of the Star mill, owned by Messrs William Ross and Son, Rtd., which is situated directly at the back of the firm’s rope and twine works, and on the west side of Harbour street. The cause of the fire is unknown, but it was apparently caused by a spark, as it was first noticed in the roof by Mr Haydock, one of the scutchers. The fire then had a fairly good hold, and when it reached the fibre in the shed it was impossible to extinguish it. The. blowing of the whistle soon brought a large number of people to the scene, and everyone present lent a hand in an endeavour to confine the flames to the scutching shed, which was detached from the engine room and stripping shed Fortunately, there was an easterly wind blowing which kept the sparks away from Messrs Ross and Sons rope and twine works. The wind, however, blew the flames in the direction of the engine room and stripping shed and had it not been for the strenuous work on the part of the willing helpers present these must have caught and been destroyed. The readiness of everyone present to lend a helping hand was very noticeable and these men are deserving of special mention for tne manner in which they worked to save the property. It was due entirely to their efforts that the flames were confined to the scutching shed. This portion of the mill was totally destroyed, together with from six to eight tons of fibre that was in the shed at the time, and the scutchers, presses, etc.

There was some insurance on the building and contents but this amount does not cover the loss which the firm estimate at from ,£6O to above the insurance.

Messrs Ross and Son are singularly unfortunate in the matter of fires for it was just about twelve months ago that their rope and twine factory was totally destroyed. Yesterday’s fire will not stop the stripping operations at the mill which are being continued as usual. The re erection of the scutching shed will be gone on with without delay, arrangements having been made for building operations to commence on Monday, so that everything should again be in full swing within a week or so.

Flsewhere in this issue Messrs Ross and Sou insert a notice thanking all helpers for the valuable assistance rendered.