FIRE ON THE IONIC.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9094, 21 May 1908, Page 5

FIRE ON THE IONIC.

By Telegraph—Prc.ss Association. WELLINGTON, May 20

A fire has broken out in the cargo of the lonic, lying at the Railway Wharf.

The steamer was to leave for London to-morrow.

The fire was discovered about 11.30 a.m., while the finishing touches were being put on the work of stowing away the remaining cargo.

"It is the Turakina case over' again," t>aid a well-known officer, "with this difference, that we have caught it in time, and our chances of getting the upper hand before any very serious damage is done are still hopeful." As soon as the fire was repcrted the hatches were promptly battened down, and Captain Carter gave orders ta have steam directed into the hold. The Wellington Harbour Board's staff arrived with its appliances almost immediately, and soon two chemical services were directed into the hold known to be filled chiefly with flax. Water was continually poured on the for'ard deck of the vessel.

This evening the hatches remained sealed. The Harbour Board's two chemical engines injected chemicals into the hold, and the lonic's own appliances were used to pump steam and inject chemicals into the scat of the fire. The temperature is being reduced hourly. The Company's officers state they do not intend to take any risks, and the hatches will not be removed till they feel convinced that all chance of the fire spreading has passed. The sides of the steamer are hot to the touch, but the marked decrease in temperature hour by hour leads to the hope and belief that the fire will soon be extinguished. The steamer's departure for London l is postponed to Friday for the present.