BIG AUCKLAND FIRE

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23413, 21 August 1941, Page 6

BIG AUCKLAND FIRE

WORK TO BE FOUND FOR EMPLOYEES

(P.A.) AUCKLAND, August 20. “When the war is over we will build a bigger and a better business on the charred ruins of our Auckland store,” said Mr G, Morton Smith, managing director of-John Burns and Company, Ltd., to-day, referring to the destruction wrought by yesterday’s fire. "In the meantime," he said, "we are applying to the City Council for permission to put a temporary roof over two storeys to continue our business on the present site.” Clearing operations began this afternoon and some departments are resuming business within a few days. Scores of sympathetic letters and telegrams have been received from all over New Zealand, some expressing a desire to share their stocks to help cope with the most urgent needs. Offers of temporary premises also have been received. The Auckland-Rotary Club, of which Mr Smith is a past director, has offered to find employment for every member of the staff who cannot be kept on. , . “It has been a knock, but we have, our chins up,” said Mr Smith. At a staff meeting at the Chamber of Commerce to-day, the employees were addressed by Mr A. M. Ferguson, chairman of directors, and by Mr Smith. Comparing the disaster with those experienced by thousands of firms in England, Mr Ferguson said that the insurance companies regarded this kind of fire as an act of God. The destruction in England was.an act of the devil. He praised the staff for their rescue work and said the firm would endeavour to prevent any loss of employment.

WORK OF FIRE BRIGADE

CONGRATULATIONS FROM

MINISTER

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, August 20. Telegraphing to-day to Superintendent Wilson of the Auckland Central Fire Brigade, the Minister for Internal Affairs (the Hon. W. E. Parry) paid a high tribute to the work of brigadesmen at yesterday’s big fire. “Prominent among features of this most Unfortunate destructive fire,” said the Minister, “is the valiant work of men of the brigade, so ably led by yourself. Proof has been given the people that the brigade is in no way lacking in organisation to meet a great emergency, and the resourcefulness and bravery of the men formed striking examples of their capability and training. As ministerial head of the fire brigades of the Dominion. I heartily congratulate you and the brigade, and express .my sympathy with the men injured and sincere wishes for their quick and complete recovery.*’