HOLOCAUST OF HORSES

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2443, 23 April 1915, Page 6

HOLOCAUST OF HORSES

THREE HUNDRED BURNT

FIRE IN AUCKLAND STABLES IBy Teleerttjh.—Press Association.* Auckland, April 22. About 9 o'clock to-night a very large stable at the foot of St. George's Bay Boad, owned by J." J'. Craig, Limited, one of the principal carrying firms in Auckland, suddenly burs', into flames. Tho lofts were full of straw and hay, and this is believed to account for the fact that the flames spread so rapidly that it was found impossible to save tha horses.

There were no fewer than- three'hundred magnificent animals, • the. average value of which was about £40 each, in the stable, and of these only three were saved. In addition,..many lorries and drays and a large quantity of equipment were destroyed..

The origin of the fire is entirely unknown, and its amazingly rapid spread is the source-of much speculation. It was a new building; the builders, in fact, had not given it tlio final touches yet,'and it covered 290 feet by 120 feet. Two-men were in' the stable when the outbreak was discovered, yet so quickly did the flames spread over the whole building that they could do little more than save themselves, and leave- the three hundred horses to their fate. Spectators say that for about five minutes only the screeches of the unfortunate animals could be heard, and then the roof fell in, and they were silent. ...

The loss is estimated as follows: — Horses, £12,000; buildings, £7000; fodder, carts, and harness, £6500; electric equipment, £1000; total, £26,500. The insurances are unascertainable