MELBOURNE BLAZE

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 337, 19 January 1937, Page 6

MELBOURNE BLAZE

COOL STORES GUTTED. ' OVERSEAS PRODUCE Damage Of Half-million Pounds Caused By Fire. Press Association—Copyright. Melbourne, January 18. A huge fire, fanned by a stiff north wind, gutted the greater portion of the Government cool stores at Victoria Dock this afternoon. Considerable quantities of frozen meat, mutton, lamb, butter and cheese and other produce awaiting shipment, as well as valuable plant and machinery, were totally destroyed. A tentative estimate of the damage is £500,000. The flying embers set fire to a large steamer, the Port Wellington, which had to be towed into midstream. Three other large freighters, including the Port Nicholson, were towed to safety. A number of railway trucks were burned and also portions of the wharf. Firemen found their task most difficult owing to the inflammable character of the buildings, which were of wood and iron, and of the contents and also to the poor pressure of water. They were compelled to divide their efforts to saving stores, the wharf and the steamers. Tremendous lengths of hose were requisitioned. Six ships caught fire, including the Port Wellington, which was towed to safety. The whole of the coo] stores was* gutted. The building and machinery were valued at £lBO,OOO.