FIRST FOR A YEAR.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 208, 3 September 1925, Page 10

FIRST FOR A YEAR.

CANADIAN PIONEER OUTBREAK. The 'last steamer to catch fire while at Auckland was the tramp Rio Claro, which made a voyage from New York under charter to the Commonwealth and Dominion Line. The outbreak occurred about a year ago, while the steamer was berthed at the Queen' 3 wharf. Owing to the prompt arrival of the brigades, a timely cave was effected, only minor damage being , done. The fire was confined to the ship's 'bunkers. A more serious fire occurred on February I, 1923, the ship concerned being "the Canadian Government steamer Canadian Pioneer. She was berthed at the Queen's wharf, where she was taking in ihemp and wool for New York, Boston, and Montreal. When the hatches were lifted at 8 a.m. dense smoke rolled forth, and it -was discovered that the fire had a fairly strong avoid. For four hours numerous leads of liose poured water into the 'burning ship, and after a strenuous fight the outbreak was cheeked. Damage to the cargo by fire and water was considerable, while the steamer also suffered.