FIRE IN WAIMATE.

Evening Star, Issue 14626, 24 July 1911, Page 8

FIRE IN WAIMATE.

I ' 'partial destruction of fine premises occupied by the canterbury farmers' co-operative association. great damage to entire STOCK. ONLY TEMPORARY DISLOCATION. LARGE STAFFS~BUSY CLEANING UP. REHABILITATION IN REAR STORES. . The complete staffs of tho C.F.C.A. were busy all clay yesterday making preparations for the resumption of business. Entering tho premises at '2 p.m. from the yard at the back, an ; Advertiser' representative saw the unusual work in full progress. Bulk stuff, such as machinery and sacks of seeds and produce, was being trundled out and carted off to the association's railway stores, and the stores were being cleaned out in readiness for the reception of what goods can be salvaged from the. merchandise department. The Queen street entrance will be closed for the time being, pending arrangements for tho repair and renovation of the whole premises. Shoppers and others will have a choice of entrance!—viz., opposite the Public Library and opposite St. Augustine's Church. The members of the staffs, of both sexes, plunged into tho unpleasant work with a good grace, but eight hours of it began to tell a tale, thouah the cheerful spirits assumed by tho whole crowd of workers lasted till the close of the day. There was some sound sleeping under the auspices of the C.F.C.A. last night ! Mr Newman, the Tiraaiu general manager, motored down immediately upon hearing the wws of the fire, and Mr Walton, chief of the Timarii merchandise department, was also an interested visitor. Mr E. Hassall, the Waimate manager, desires to thank Captain Nash and the members of the Fire Brigade for their very excellent services. THE INSURANCES. The following particulars of the insurances wore obtained from the C.F.C.A.'s management yesterday:— Total stock "' ... .*.. £14.';!).-) Main building 4.000 Fittings ...' 'BOO Furniture ,'illO Plant 340 The companies interested are the Alliance, Farmers', Guardian. Royal Exchange, State, and Norwich Union. STOCKS BOUGHT BY MESSRS W. PENROSE AND CO., OF THIS CITY. The Farmers' Co-operative Association have disposed of the whole stock of drapery, clothing, linoleums, carpets, blinds, etc., to Messrs W. Penrose and Co., 100 George street, Duncdin ; but before doing so required an assurance that no portion of tho stock should bo sold in South Canterbury. This meant the transfer of the huge, stock to Dunedin—a business that was no light task, for it taxed to the utmost limit the capacity of a large staff of assistants for nearly a week to pack up into cases and bales so a quantity of merchandise. The stock is now being unpacked in Penrose's and hurried into a condition in which it can bo handled for the salvage sale, which commences on Thursday next. It would be futile to say the stork is not damaged ; a good deal of it is water soaked—we should say sonic two or three thousand pounds' worth is so damaged. Tins portion will be first placed on sale. Then there must be an equal quantity that is _ only smoke stained. This will ho offered for sale immediately after the wet goods are disposed of. The balance i of the stock—no inconsiderable portion —is in good order, but this will also be sold at salvage rates.—[A.dvt.]