EARLY MORNING FIRE

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 154, 26 March 1938, Page 15

EARLY MORNING FIRE

Extensive Damage To Tiki

Bacon Factory REFRIGERATING PLANT SAVED \ . Dominion Special Service. Palmerston North, March 25. Damage by fire estimated to amount to several thousand pounds was done to the Tiki Bacon Company’s premises at the corner of Princess Street and Dahlia Street at an early hour this morning. The origin of the outbreak is unknown, but the fire appeared to have its centre in the boiler-room and to have spread to the curing-room.

In addition to the expensive plant there was a considerable amount of stock on the premises, but it is understood that most of the loss is covered by insurance. The outbreak was discovered by Mr. R. Ayers shortly after 1 o’clock this morning when he was returning home after working on night shift in a city brewery. His attention was attracted by heavy smoke, and on turning into Princess Street he found the factory well alight. Two engines from the fire brjgade station were quickly dispatched, but the flames already had a good hold inside the building, which was blazing fiercely. Four leads of hose were brought into play', and the flames in the boiler-room gradually brought under control. The brigade then concentrated on the curingroom, where the fire found easy material in a loft full of old packing cases.

Only the good work of the brigade, under Deputy-Superintendent J. W. Hepburn, prevented the flames from penetrating the refrigerating plant and from involving the complete destruction of the buildings on the factory site. The factory was established on the site in 1917, but since then additions have been made from time to time.