THE PORT NAPIER.

Press, Volume XLIV, Issue 19400, 28 August 1928, Page 7

THE PORT NAPIER.

TANKS EXPLODED. FIGHTERS' HEROIC EFFORTS. (USITM PBESS i3SOaiTIOHr-ST ELECTRIC TELEQBAPH —COSTBIOHT.) (Received August £7th, 5.5 p.m.) SUVA, August 27. The "Fiji Times's" correspondent at Pago Pago states that the fire on the Port Napier started at 7 o'clock on Friday morning in number four hold. The cause is unknown. After the fire was discovered, an ammonia tank exploded at 7.10 a.m. and a second one at 10 a.m., blowing open the cargo door and bulging the deck. The captain sent a radio message to Pago Pago, where the vessel arrived and docked at 7 o'clock in the evening, The navy personnel and civilians, under the expert management of the Acting-Governor, Commander Leburgonips, tackled the fire immediately) and owing to their foresight and heroic efforts, and in spite of the gravest danger, the fire was completely extinguished at 3 o'clock on Saturday morning. The cargo which was jettisoned included matches, tar, paint, bales, etc, Upon the receipt of word telling of the outbreak the Acting-Governor immediately recalled to Pago Pago the ship Ontario from Apia where it bad gone on thp previous day to conwy guests to a go" tournament with, the Apia champions. The Ontario arrived at Pago at midnight The Port Jfapier is now due tp sau for Suva on Sunday or Monday at the latest. —Australian Press Association. DAMAGED CARGO DISCHARGED,

SUVA, August 27. The fire in the No. 4 hold and shelter d«ck of the Port Napier was subdued after twelve hours. The damaged cargo is being discharged *t Pago Pago. The cargo for Fiji was valued at £2SWX)U. The ship will probably leave Pago Pago to-rinorrow and. »9 due at Suva on Friday—Australian Press Association.