FIRE ON LINER RARANGA

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 256, 23 July 1920, Page 7

FIRE ON LINER RARANGA

among.'flax and wool CARGO ( BLAZING BALES HOISTED FROM HOLD J .■ ' ; A good deal of excitement was caused on the waterfront last night by a fire breaking out on the liner Karanga, berthed at. Glasgow Wharf. The liner is practically fully loaded, and was to have : sailed at daybreak to-morrow for London. Tho City Firo Brigade was called upon at about half-past 8 o'olock. The firo w;as in the 'tween decks, forward, in No. 1 hold. There is general cargo in this hold, including flax and wool. Th« firo started among the latter goods, and when tho brigade arrived had a fair hold. It, must have been smouldering \ for some time.

Tho fire was Tory difficult to reach, and an insulating door was broken open, jn an effort to ?et a hose to work. jv. was, however, found impossible to reach the fire this way. and the door - was closed again. Mcanwhilo streams of .water were being poured on tho deck.

The hatch was then lifted and a brteadesuian donned a smoke mask and wade an inspection below. Ho hosed nil the smouldering cargo that it was posBible for him to get at. The problem which now presented itpelf to the brigade was whether the fleck should be cut open jn order to get at tho fire, or the cargo hoisted out of tho hold and hosed as it came up. Tho latter 'course of action was decided on, and a winch and grappling irons were got to work. Bv this means the bales, of flax were hauled out of tho steamer' ■and swung on to the wharf, Most of |tho top Bales were merely blackened ana ;burnt,,but now and again one would come out blazing, and the lose was immediately got to work. Every bale •*»# thoroughly hosed on arrival on the wharf, and then carried off by motor trucks to the vacant land adjacent to King's Wharf. Superintendent Tait was in charge of the brigade, ami tho shore supervisor for the company superintended the taking of tho cargo out of" the "hold. Ir. was impossible to ascertain tho extent of th(> damage last night, but it seems to have "been confined to the cargo. "When The Dominion went to press the cargo was still being hoteted out and the lower, tiers of bales had not been reached. It was probable that part of tho flooring of the hold will be found to be burnt slightly. Be Prepared. Insure with The Tnsuronce Office of Australia (The "1.0.A.") All claims settled without vexatious delay Wellington Office, 33 Johnston Street. Active Agents Wanted.-Advt.