THE IONIC.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9152, 22 May 1908, Page 5

THE IONIC.

Per Press Association. Wellington, May 22

All possible despatch is being used to discharge the cargo from-No. 1 hold of the lonic. The damage to flax by fire is not so extensive as at first anticipated. The flames apparently did not get beyond the ’tween decks, but the whole of the flax is damaged by water. After the water in the hold had been pumped out it was ascertained 5 feet of water in No. 2 hold, in which frozen meat is stowed. The contents of this hold will also have to be discharged. No estimate of the full damage occasioned byt he fire can yet be given. The lonic’s departure has been set down provisionally for Sunday, but in all probability the vessel will not get away to Loudon till a couple of days later. The saloon passengers are being accommodated on board and steerage passengers are getting their hotel expenses from the company. The inquiry into the cause of the fire will be opened to-morrow morning.