FIRE AT FLAXMILL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3698, 1 October 1927, Page 2

FIRE AT FLAXMILL.

SjCUTCHING SHED ABLAZE

At 7.30 o’clock this morning the fire syren sounded and a volume of smoke was noticed in the direction of Messrs Ross, Rough and Co’s, flaxmill, where it was ascertained that an outbreak of fire had occurred in the firm’s large scutching shed. Scutching operation were in progress at the time of the outbreak and Alessrs A. Stevenson, Chalk and Rand were within the building. It appears that friction in the machinery of the small scutching apparatus by some means ignited the highly inflammable material, which spread wi.ii lightning rapidity throughout the interior. The employees worked with buckets and were assisted by employees from other mills. The brigade made a quick turn-out and connected up 900 feet of hose, but by this time the volunteers had got the fire under. There was a splendid pressure of water from the main and the interior was soon flooded.

There was a large quantity of hemp stored in the shed, much of which was damaged by fire and the balance by water. Damage was also done to the machinery. The loss is estimated at upwards of £2OO.

The firm speaks in high terms of praise of the assistance rendered by employees of adjacent mills and neighbours and also pay a“ tribute to the brigade.

The building and contents are covered by insurance.