TUAKAU SOUTH.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 253, 23 February 1917, Page 1

TUAKAU SOUTH.

FLAXMILL BURNT DOWN. Whilst the men employed by Messrs Lapwood Bros, at their flaxmill, close to the Waikato river, were sitting down to lunch at noon on Tuesday last, they suddenly discovered a fierce fire had broken out apparently in the centre of the mill. There was a high wind blowing at the time, and all efforts to stop the progress of the flames proved so fruitless that in an hour everything was cleared to the ground. The origin of the fire is a mystery. Unfortunately fiaxmills are not accepted by insurance companies against fire, and the loss, approximately about J6700, has to be borne by the owners. Messrs Lapwood Bros, hope to make temporary arrangements for continuing business in the course of a week or two Luckily the flax in the adjacent paddock was saved. The succession of gales and floods experienced lately have greatly inconvenienced flaxmilling operations. The swamps were unworkable for a while. The hot muggy weather spoils the fibre which is spread out to bleach.

Business is very brisk on the river and the Waikato s.s. Company's boats are kept very busy. Messrs C. C. Davis and E. T. Frost made a motor trip to Ranganri, Huntly and Ngaruawahia on Saturday last in connection with new business, for the Company. A big load of benzino and other oils is expected in at the Heads in a few days. The Company are going to erect storage sheds at the principal landings so that goods can be safely stored till the settlers call for them—a great advantage in the wet months.

There is a serious shortage of coal on the river now, owing to the " go slow " policy of the miners. It is estimated that the output has fallen off over 300 tons per day from the Waikato mines. It will only be a short time till stocks are overtaken and then a lot of the flaxmills will be idle for some time.