OFFICES DESTROYED.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14983, 2 June 1914, Page 5

OFFICES DESTROYED.

(PRESS ASSOCIATION TELIGIUII.) NELSON, June 1. The Eastern Extension Cable Company's offices, and ono of tho staff residences at Wakapuaka were burned to tho ground at three o'clock this morning. The fire broke out in the offices, and, when discovered, had a good hold. It was at once evident that it was impossible to save the offices, and attention was turned to "the bungalow," ono of the buildings used by the cable staff as quarters. This building, which w«ts situated only nine or ten feet from the office., soon caught alight, aud was also totally v est royed. The staff, by splendid work with tho meagre appliances available, managed to save the buildings situated on the right and tho left of tho offices. Oue of these buildings is used as the main quarters. The paint on both these buildings was badly scorched and blistered. There was an anxious time until the safety oi the quarters was assured. Tho loss i s very heavy, as only part of ono. of the cable instrument- (there were three) was saved. Another big item was thc destruction ot some -hundreds of coils of wire, representing miles of artificial line. The cause of the outbreak is a complete mystery. The staff did great work. Tho quarters building destroyed was occupied by six. of the staff, the others occupying one of the other two buildings which were saved. The cable offices destroyed wero the property of the New Zealand Government. Thoy were not insured. The Eastern Extension Cable Company's instruments were valued at between ._2COO and £3000. The*- wero well insured.