“CHINA UP"

Evening Star, Issue 23968, 20 August 1941, Page 6

“CHINA UP"

JOHN BURNS CARRYING ON BUSINESS COMMUNITY RALLIES ROUND (P.A.) AUCKLAND, August 20. “ When the war is over wo will build a bigger and better business on the charred ruins of our Auckland store,” said Mr G. Morton Smith, managing director of John Burns, to-day. “In the meantime we arc applying to the City Council for permission to put a temporary roof over two stories to continue the business on the present site.” Clearing operations commenced this afternoon, and some departments are resuming business within a few days. Scores of sympathetic letters and telegrams have been received from all over New Zealand, some expressing a desire to share stocks to help cope with the most urgent needs. Offers of temporary premises have also been received. The Auckland Ilotary Club, of which Mr Smith is a past director, has offered to find employment for every member of the staff who cannot bo kept on. “ ft has been a knock, but wo have our chins up,” said Mr Smith. At a staff meeting to-day the employees were addressed by Mr A. M. Ferguson, chairman of directors, and Mr Smith. Comparing the disaster with those experienced by thousands of firms in England. Mr Ferguson said the insurance companies regarded this kind of fire as an act of God. Such destruction in England was an act of the devil. He praised the staff for their rescue work, and said the firm would endravour to prevent any loss of employment. Injured through falling on the roadway while escaping from the fire yesterday, Francis Harold Baker 147), 'a cashier, is still in a serious condition in the Auckland Hospital with concussion and a probable fracture of the base of the skull.

The other two sent to hospital—R. G. M‘Whirter (J 4), a traveller, ami Stella Young (331, a clerk—arc not in a serious condition.