FIRE ON THE IONIC.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9151, 21 May 1908, Page 5

FIRE ON THE IONIC.

APPARENTLY CHECKED IN TIME. VESSEL’S DEPARTURE POSTPONED. Press Association. Wellington, May 20. The Shaw, Savillaud Albion Company’s fine steamer lonic, which was due to depart for Loudon tomorrow, lies alongside the Glasgow wharf with an outbreak of fire in No. 1 hold. The fire was discovered about 11.30 a.m., while the finishing touches were being put on the work of stowing away the remaining cargo.

“It is the Turakina case over again,” said a well-known officer, “with this difference ; rhat we have caught it in time, aud our. chances of getting the upper hand before any serious damage is done are still hopeful. ’ ’ As soon as the fire was reported the hatches were promptly battened down, and Captain Carter gave orders to haye steam directed into the hold. The Wellington Harbour Board’s staff arrived v with its appliances almost immediately, and soon, too, chemical services were directed into the hold known to be filled chiefly with flax. The chemical gases used to extinguish the fire were generated by the mixture of sulphuric acid and carbonate of soda

While these remedies were being activoly employed the Fire Brigade’s men (under Acting-Superintendent O’Brien) and the Fire Police also arrived with their gear, aud continued to render valuable assistance. Water was continually poured on the for’ard deck of the vessel, aud every precaution taken to keep down the temperature as far as possible. The thermometer was frequently used : to test the temperature in the lower holds, and after a number of tests the captain was satisfied that b the fire was in the upper deck only. The cargo in No. 1 lower hold consists almost entirely of tallow. Wool is stowed in the ’tween decks, and the cargo in the upper deck, wherh the fire has broken out, consists mostly of 'flax with a small quantity of general cargo. It is believed that the greater quantity of the flax in the hold has been shipped from the Manawatu and Foxton mills.

All the'afternoon measures to put the, fire out were continued. The Union Company’s tug Terawhiti drew alongside the big steamer, aud preparations were made to connect up, but it was not anticipated then that either the marine or land extinguisher would he required. Captain Bendall And other- experts were then confident that the fire’s career was nearing its end. An officer who had been below for some time reported that things were “cooling down inside. “We started on it,” he said, “before it had'a chance to get going.” This evening the .hatches remained sealed. The Harbour Board’s two chemical engines injected chemical mixtures into the hold, and the lonic’s own appliances were used to pump steam and inject chemicals into the seat of the fire. The, temperature is being reduced hourly. The company’s officers state they do not intend to take any risks, and the hatches will not he ‘removed till they feel convinced that all chance of the fire spreading has passed. The sides of the steamer are hot to the touch, hut the marked decrease in the temperature hour by hcur leads to the hope and belief that the fire will soon he extinguished. The steamer’s departure for London is postponed to Friday for the present.