FIRES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 18, 15 February 1909, Page 3

FIRES.

AT THE STATE ouaL MINE, By Telegraph.—Press Association. Groymouth, Saturday Night. Shortly after noon to-day, which is the usual holiday at the mine, it was discovered that a large fire was engulfing the three shops which stand apart from any other portion of the mine buildings, and which are used by the blacksmiths, the carpenters, and the litters. The buildings were situated to the mirth of the endless rope tramway, the nearest building to them being the weighing office and weigh bridge, the bins and shoots being a good way off them and practically out of reach of the fire. None of the hands engaged in l(i(her of the shops were there to-day, many being away to Hokitika with Hie school picnic. The Slate mine officials about noon noticed ilamcs coining from the roof of the blacksmith's shop at the mine. The whistles were immediately sounded, and the alarm brought n few residents (the (majority being absent at Hokitika at the school picnic), who did everything possible to save the shops, but without avail, as everything was destroyed. The machinery is rendered practically use less. Had not the wind been in the direction ft was, the lire would have been a most serious one. The cause of the fire is unknown. It is not anticipated that the outbreak will cause a cessation of work in the mine on .Monday, the onlv men affected being the mechanical staff.