FIRE IN GORE

Southland Times, Issue 21099, 3 June 1930, Page 8

FIRE IN GORE

SPECTACULAR BLAZE

FURNITURE FACTORY DESTROYED GOOD WORK BY BRIGADE Gore, which during recent months has been rather unfortunate, in regard to serious outbreaks of fire, was the scene of another big blaze last night when Mr Adam Speden’s two-storeyed wooden furniture factory was razed to the ground. When the alarm was received by the brigade shortly before 10.30, the fire already had a strong hold, and within a few minutes the reflection of the flames could be seen from a considerable distance, the main streets of the town being lit up. The building was an old one and had been occupied by Mr Speden for many years. In it was housed up-to-date machinery for the manufacture of furniture, as well as a large quantity of timber. Fortunately, however, comparatively little completed furniture was on hand at the time, otherwise the loss would have been much greater. The buildings and contents were of such a nature that the spread of (he fire was remarkably rapid, the flames shooting up to a considerable height and myriads of sparks making the scene a most spectacular one. The task of the brigade was a trying one as the heat was intense and the houses on either side of the factory which were fairly old wooden buildings, appeared to be in imminent danger, the large crowd which had collected expecting to see the dwellings go at any moment. Willing bands of workers were of valuable assistance to the brigade and within an astonishingly short time the furniture from both houses was removed to safety. The brigade was also assisted by reason of the fact that there was no wind and, under less favourable circumstances its chances of saving the dwellings would have been remote. As it was, it achieved a fine save, as in the early stages of the fire it was hampered by a low water pressure which, however, improved later on. The walls of both houses nearest the factory were damaged, and at one period, when the sides of the factory collapsed, complete destruction seemed inevitable. Shortly after the outbreak, the electric wires leading to the factory fused, sending up blue flames which added to the spectacular nature of the scene.

The fire police were of great assistance to the brigade by keeping the huge crowd out of the danger zone and so allowing the firemen room in which to carry out their operations. Although the factory and its contents were insured in the Royal Exchange Office, Mr Speden’s loss will be considerable. The factory was run in conjunction with his furniture shop in Mersey Street, and the delay which must necessarily follow before a new factory can be built and machinery installed will' in itself represent a substantial loss as well as temporarily rendering idle quite a number of Mr Speden’s employees. The exact amount of insurance on the factory and contents was not available. . No information with regard to the insurances on the two dwellings which were partially damaged could be obtained last night. One was occupied by Mr C. Penman, railway employee, and the other by Mr David Marks. __________