WOOL STORE FIRE

Evening Star, Issue 25068, 8 January 1944, Page 6

WOOL STORE FIRE

MAIN BUILDING DEMOLISHED HEAVY LOSS OF STOCKS (P.A.) NEW PLYMOUTH, Jan. 7. Fire which broke «,otit in the wool cleaning and drying store at the works of Messrs Tiios. Borthwick and Sous oi' Waitara at 5 o'clock this morning completely demolished the main two-story building of that section of the works and gutted, two other single-story bays, adjoining. No estimate of the value of the buildings, plant and stock affected could be given to-day, nor of the insurances covering the damage, but a survey of the destruction suggests'that it will run to several thousands of pounds. The buildings themselves represent a considerable amount, but the contents, including expensive plant and stocks, are by far the greatest loss. Killing proceeded as usual to-day and every effort is to be made, to maintain production and keep faith with the farmers. The fire is not expected to affect the work to any extent in the next few days. Until a temporary cover is provided fo* the plant, which is to be reconditioned, an endeavour is being made to dry th 6 wol in the open. The buildings affected involve the works in a temporary loss of approximately 24,000 square feet of floor space. Included in the stocky burnt were about 1,200 bags of lime, 1,000 wool packs. 119 drums of-sodium, 64 bales of wool, and about 30,0001 b of loose wool, 13,044 lamb and 1,209 sheep pelts, 6,437 green pelts, and 2,524 skins. Among the plant damaged by the fire were two wool dryers, one of which was a recent installation.

When the fire was discovered by the night watchman he heard a sharp crackling sound and then almost instaiiteously the whole place burst into flames, which quickly spread to the adjoining bays. A call was made on the New Plymouth Brigade. No explanation of the cause of the fire could be given to-day.