FIRE AT TATARARIKI.

Wairoa Bell, Volume V, Issue 214, 8 September 1893, Page 5

FIRE AT TATARARIKI.

NORTHERN PINE MILL BURNT TO THE GROUND.

On Tuesday evening about eleven o’clock, which by Tatarariki mill time was abou twelve, the captain of one of the vessels lying at the Tatarariki mill wharf was aroused by a strong glare and on rushing on deck discovered that the mill was on fire. He immediately gave the alarm but before the sailors and mill hands, who had all turned in, could gather the mill was completely at the mercy of the flames, There was a scarcity of firequenching appliances, and buckets and kerosene tins had to be relied upon. It was not many minutes before assistance arrived from Te Kopuru and the surrounding settlers and all efforts were then directed towards preventing the flames from spreading beyond the mill. There were thousands of pounds worth of timber in the yard and by removing some stacks and applying water to others the whole was saved. The danger at one time was very great for in one of the stacks the ends of the boards were much charred. Water was continually poured on the sawdust and timber around the mill to keep the flames from spreading and by this means the fire was confined to the mill itself and the surrounding houses, wharf etc., were unharmed. The wind was blowing in fierce squalls, but fortunately in a safe direction. The boilers and chimneys now stand alone amidst the ruins of what was last week an efficient and compact little mill. Two vessels were lying aground at the wharf but were never in any great danger. The cause of the calamity is uncertain as the fire was not discovered till it had a good hold. The mill had. we believe, been working till eight o’clock, and open oil lamps had been used. It is thought probable by some that a spark from one of these lamps was the cause, but this is only conjecture. An hour before the fire was first discovered everything - appeared perfectly safe. There was no watchman on duty. The insurance is said to be £IOOO but the value of the property destroyed is estimated at much more than twice that sum. The mill is to be rebuilt at once. Very much sympathy is felt, and has been expressed, with Mr Matthews who seems very mueh affected by his loss. The flames gave out a brilliant light which was plainly evident as far as Dargaville where it was at once surmised that one of the mills were on fire.