DISASTROUS FIRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26619, 15 November 1947, Page 6

DISASTROUS FIRE

WELLINGTON FURNITURE FACTORY TOP FLOOR GUTTED P.A. WELLINGTON, Nov. 14. Flames roaring through Scoullar and Company’s furniture and bedding factory, Abel Smith street, Wellington, gutted the top floor. The fire had a firm hold when the brigade arrived a few minutes before 6 o’clock. Damage by smoke and water to the other three floors and the basement was extensive. The top floor held stored furniture ready for polishing, while in the loft above it was a supply of kapok mill-wool flock, scrim, and other upholstering materials. Thousands of people rushed to the scene from all parts of Wellington and crowded into all the streets and alleys leading toward the centre ofThe block where the factory stood. Seven fire engines and about 40 firemen were on the job, and hundreds of feet of hose snaked and criss-crossed along the streets, with water spraying out from a loose joint here and there. The brigade had the fire under control within 15 minutes and virtually extinguished by 6.30 p.m. The flames were still playing round the rafters and corners, and kapok was still smouldering long after that, however, as the firemen continued to spray gallons of water. “We will be out of production for several months,” said an officer of Scoullar and Company. He said they were fully insured. He would notj however, attempt to estimate the loss, which must run into thousands of pounds.