FIRES.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 March 1918, Page 5

FIRES.

.DAIRY-FACTORY DESTROYED. Tho Owata Dairy Company's main factory was totally destroyed by fire early yesterday morning. The fire was fust discovered by the manager (Mr. McConnick), who was awakened by tho glare about 2 a.m., but the fire then had such a hold that it was impossible for Km to save the factory. Indeed, at the time, a violent explosion occurred, caused by the bursting of one of the ammonia cylinders, some pieces of which were driven a considerable distance, but fortunately did not strike the manager. Th« noise of tho explosion was heard over a mile away. Several settlers, including Messrs Smith and Jlycre, came down, but were unable to save tho factory; which was quickly demolished, together with the vat of cream which was ready for the day's churning. The factory was insured, but the amount of insurance was not obtainable last night. The origin of the fire is a mystery, as there had been no fire alight in tho buildings since 3 o'clock the previous afternoon.

The fire will inconvenience the settlers of the district, but not so seriously p.s if it had happened earlier in tho season, when tho milk supply was larger. The milk will be separated at the company's creameries at Oakura and Koru, and the cream will be carted to the Patua factory, arrangements having bean made with the directors of that company for its manufacture into butter.