A SHIP ON FIRE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 235, 8 October 1904, Page 3

A SHIP ON FIRE.

VALUABLE CARGO DESTROYED IN SYDNEY HARBOUR. THE VESSEL BEACHED. SYDNEY, Oct. 7. The ship Mount Stewart, which arrived from London on the 80th, was discovered to be on Are at 3.30 this morning. The fire continued to gain steadily and the danger spreading to Parbury'a wharf, where she was lying, the Mount Stewart was towed to Berry's Bay and beached. She lay there with her bow under water, and s' ill burning. Steamers alongside continued to pour water into the sunken ship. The outbreak was discovered in tlw main hold, and spread forward, and it is believed that all cargo forward of the mainmast was destroyed. Thie ship herself is badly damaged, many of the plates being buckled. At one time the flames threatened to envelope the whole of the vessel. Altogether there were 5000 drums of oil on boand, besides large consignments of paints, chemicals, whiskey, arjd other spirits. At three o'clock the ship lay a sandy bottom, with tine stern "well out of the water, though the seat of the fire was to a great extent submerged. The liurn'ng oil a nd spirits, floating on the water, were blazing jiercoiy, and thrcaUn'ng the after part of the hull, besides interfering with the work of the firemen by preventing thorn from approaching at close j u art era. THE FIRE SUBDUED, AFTER PART OF THE SHIP ESCAPES. (Received Oct. 7. 5.20 p.m.) SYDNEY, Oct, 7. Thj Mount Stewart has filled and settled down. The fire, which is now extinguished, did not spread to the after part of the vessel. THE INSURANCES. (Received Oct. 8, 1.20 a.m.) SYDNEY, Oct. 7. The Mount Stewart was insured for £IB,OOO and the cargo for between £15,000 and £50,000.