THE PATE A FIRE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 192, 12 February 1914, Page 4

THE PATE A FIRE.

BLOW TO THE DISTRICT. ■Some 75 hands will be thrown out of work as a consequence of the fire at the Pa tea Freezing Works. Everything but the cool stores and engine-room was destroyed. Three hundred carcases of sheen and 30 of cattle were 1 burnt, but most of the tinned meats, hides, and some tallow were saved. The fire is supposed to hive started at the manure works. Two thousand sheep and 300 cattle are waiting, and 112 head of cattle were turned out only the day before the fire to graze for a week. In addition to this, 2000 sheep have, been bought from farmers. The burning tallow made a magnificent sight, and occasional)' explosions occurred hurling pieces of fiery material skyward, accompanied by myriads of sparks. It is estimated that a salvage corps saved about £SOO worth of tinned meat, hides and tallow. Tho brigade worked till daybreak, and stopped the (Ire spreading, but they were powerless to prevent the almost complete destruction of the buildings. It is estimated that the damage and loss is.well over £IO,OOO. The works were in full swing, and this y»ar promised to far exceed all past -seasons, but the works will be practically crippled for the res'; of the season.