PRIMUS STOVE EXPLOSION.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3641, 30 November 1920, Page 4

PRIMUS STOVE EXPLOSION.

AUCKLAND, Nov. 29. The crew of the 32ft launch Loew Victor, which, with over 50 other boats, was lying off Arklc Bay on-Sat-urday evening, had an unpleasant experience, resulting in two of the crewbeing sent to a private hospital. Thelaunch arrived off the bay about 6 p.m., and soon after the crew set. about preparing tea. A double primus stove was used, both sides being in full blast, when, without any warning, it suddenly exploded. A sheet, of flame shot up over 20ft high and enveloped both the cockpit and cabin. Mr Glass, Who was nearest to the stove, picked St up and threw it overboard, the flames being finally smothered with' rugs and blankets, but not before several of the crew were badly burnt about the arms, legs and body. The two young men in the cockpit, Athol Bailey and William Webb received the full force of the explosion, and were the greatest sufferers. Willing hands from the other boats in the bay helped to put out the fire, while x)r Lapraik, who was fortunately o-z. board the launch Marguerite, dressed 1 the burns. The sufferers were con 4 veyeld. to Rawhitj. hospital.