FACTORY GUTTED

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31291, 10 February 1967, Page 3

FACTORY GUTTED

Blaze At Rongotai

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, February 9. Fire gutted the factory of Displaycraft (N.Z.), Ltd., in Kingsford Smith street, Rongotai, last night. Noticed about 10 p.m., the fire was not brought under control until nearly 11 o’clock. At midnight flames could still be seen through the twisted roofing. When firemen arrived about 10.15 p.m. a strong wind was carrying sparks for 100 yards and it was feared that the nearby box factory of H. Compton and Company, Ltd., would catch fire.

However, prompt action by firemen kept the building safe.

Twenty-five firemen and six engines were at the scene during the height of the blaze. The dense smoke forced firemen to wear breathing apparatus.

Firemen at first were unable to enter the blazing factory because the mechanism of the electric doors had been damaged. They had to force an entry in four different sections.

The manager of the company (Mr P. G. Taylor, of Seatoun) said that the factory was only four years old. An inquiry would be held today.