THE lONIC FIRE.

Evening Post, Volume LXXV, Issue 121, 22 May 1908, Page 7

THE lONIC FIRE.

DISCHARGING THE CARGO. DAMAGE TO FROZEN MEAT IN ' NO. 2 HOLD. All- possible despatch is being used in the discharge of the damaged cargo from No. 1 hold of the lonic. A couple of cranes are being kept busy in hauling i up bales of sodden flax. The damage by fire is not quite so extensive 'as at first anticipated. The flames, apparently, did not get beyond the 'tween decks. At present it is impossible to say when the actual work of discharging the cargo will be completed, but at the time of writing the vessel's departure for London has been provisionally set down for Sunday. In all probability, however, her sailing date will have to be j still further extended. Meantime jhe saloon passengers are being accommodatr ed on board the vessel, and the Shaw, Bavill, and Albion Company has made arrangements to compensate the steerage passengers for hotel expenses during the detention of the vessel in port. After the water was pumped out of No. 1 hold, it was ascertained that about 3 feet had percolated into the adjoining hold, which contains a cargo of frozen meat. This will have to be discharged so that the damaged portion may be sent to the boiling-down works. The balance will be re-shipped. So far no reliable estimate of the total damage occasioned by the fire can be obtained. The magisterial enquiry into the outbreak will be opened in the Magistrate's Courthouse at 10 a.m. to-morrow. Mr. Myers will appear for the Marine Department. A shorthand note of the evidence will bo taken by Mr. Russell, of the Hansard staff.