FIRE AT THE WHARF.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2393, 16 February 1922, Page 3

FIRE AT THE WHARF.

SMALL DETACHED BUILDING DESTROYED. At about 2.15 o’clock this morning the fire syren aroused residents, and a glare was noticeable in the direction of the wharf. The fire subsequently proved to be in a small detached building, the'property of the Harbour Board, between ; Messrs Levin and Co.’s premises and the Harbour Board coal dump, which latter was only a few yards distant from the conflagration. Fortunately there was no wind- at the time, which minimised the risk to the other, buildings in the railway.yard and water front. ' •

The fire was first noticed by Mr L. Pilcher, engine cleaner, on night duty in the railway engine shed. He heard a loud explosion, and on going. outside to investigate * saw the Bifinding ablaze. He immediately sounded the syren. The briga'de turned out and cheeked the flames from spreading. The building, which was insured in the South British Office for £SO, was used" for minor storage purposes by the Board, but the contents do not represent any material loss to the Board. ' The outbreak is a 1 mystery. Several row . boats moored near the building, which latter was partly . built over the water, were saved.-

The destroyed" building, together with the coal bins,'were purchased by the Board some time since from the West Coast Steamship and Trading Co, (in liquidation). ~