FACTORY FIRE

Evening Star, Issue 23861, 16 April 1941, Page 6

FACTORY FIRE

SPECTACULAR BLAZE AT SARGCCD'S GOOD SAVE BY BRIGADES Fire gutted one of the upper storerooms of the boot and shoe factory operated by Messrs. Sa-rgood, Son, and Ewou Ltd. in Richardson street early last evening, causing damage which is roughly estimated at the moment at between £B,OOO and £9,000. This loss is inclusive of both building and materials destroyed. Both, however, were fully covered with the South British Insurance Co. Ltd. The building, a tiro-story one of brick outer walls, was constructed internally of wood, and the ravaging fire which commenced in the store on the second floor quickly took hold, causing a conflagration which, although speedily checked by the excellent work of the brigades from the Central, Iloslyn, and South Dunedin stations, might readily have spread. The actual cause of the outbreak still remains a mystery. Bales of material, including thousands of eyelets for hoots, were either totally destroyed or damaged, but while the work of fulfilling Army boot contracts may be hindered as a result, no stoppage will occur. Shortly after 6.80 p.m. flames were shooting high from the top of the building, and a large crowd quickly gathered at the scene. Five leads of hose were soon playing upon the heart of the fire, and within 20 minutes'it was under control. Large tarpaulins were spread over the machinery on the lower floor to prevent damage from water. The management of the factory expresses appreciation of the work carried out by the brigade men and of the full co-operation of the police.