A TREMENDOUS EXPLOSION.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 8745, 20 February 1907, Page 2

A TREMENDOUS EXPLOSION.

Per Press Association—Copyright, CooKtowN, Last Night. Three hundred and forty cases of benzine, aboard the schooner Papuan, for transfer to New Guinea, exploded, last night, with a terrific roar. Tho town was instantly awakened, and people thought an earthquake had occurred. The Papuan caught fire, and the glare lit, the harbour for a great distance. The flames spread rapidly, and the vessel .was soon enveloped. The efforts of the firemen were directed to saving the wharves. By 4in the morning, the Papuan was burnt to the water’s edge-, but canisters of benzine continued to burn long after the vessel was destroyed. It is believed The explosion was caused by natives going below, artd that a lighted pipe ignited the fumes. Martin, the steward, and three Guinea hoys were on hoard at the time of the disaster. Martin succeeded in escaping to the wharf severely injured. One of the Guinea hoys was found under tho wharf where he had been thrown hy the force of the explosion, and his injuries are likely to prove fatal. Two other natives on the vessel were blown to pieces. The Papuan Was insured for ,£3,500.