GAS EXPLOSION.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 12961, 14 November 1907, Page 2

GAS EXPLOSION.

♦ SENSATION IN A SOLICITOR'S OFFICE. Shortly efter nine o'clock yesterday morning one of the clerks employed by Messrs Izard and Loughnan, solicitors, proceeded to the strong room in prej.nration for the duties of another day. Hβ opened the door, and etruck a match, with the object of lighting the gas jet utilised for illuminating the gloomy interior of the apartment. An explosion follow<MJ, and a broad sheet of flame shot out, singeing the young man's face and clothing, and setting fire to some of the documents. Sorgoant Barrett was in the vicinty at the timo, and despatched a constable to telephone to Superintendent Smith, apprising him of the circumstances. iSonio person, overhearing the conversation, immediately daehod off to the nearest fire alarm box, and vigorously pulled the knob. The result was that the firobells were sounded, and the engines engaged in suppressing tihe fir© at the Kaiapoi Woollen Company's warehouse were prepared to cope with another outbreak. A chemical and a steamer actually arrived on the scene before warning could be conveyed that their eervicee were not required. Beyond the charring of the edges of some papers, the fir© was extinguished without serious damage.