BIG TIMBER BLAZE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8056, 24 February 1906, Page 2

BIG TIMBER BLAZE.

TOTALLY DESTHOVED. SHIPPING IN DANGEK. SvnsKv, February 23. McKenzic's property was completely gulled. Tho Austral Box Company's factory adjoining was also destroyed. Duriug the height of the lire a strong southerly wind sprung up. The scene of the outbreak adjoins Allau Taylor's large timber yarjs, and is surrounded by a number of other yards. Several vessels were also lying al the wharves in the vicinity, and there was every indication of a disastrous conflagration, but the Fire Brigade, who turned out in full force, assisted by large detachments of bluejackets from the various warships, succeeded after a desperate fiiglit, in confining fUo lire lo the (wo premises destroyed, effecting a splendid save. Considerable damage was experienced in gelting the vessels moored to the wharves out of the lire zone in the stream.' The lire was burning with tremendous lierccucss.

A falling slack of timber smashed u slaudpipe and iiilerlcred somewhat with the water supply. Tt was a splendid spectacle, the sky being lit up for miles around the city. An immense crowd congregated. The damage is estimated to be in the vicinity of JC3O,<)OO, which is partially covered by insurance. Though the lire was prevented from I getting a hold on Taylor's yard, timber j and fittings were damaged by heat lo the extent of £ISOO.