PLAN TO REBUILD

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20639, 20 August 1941, Page 6

PLAN TO REBUILD

DESTROYED STORE AUCKLAND FIRM’S LOSS OFFERS OF ASSISTANCE (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, this day. “When the war is over, we will build a bigger and better business on Inc charred, ruins of our Auckland store, said Mr. G. Morton Smith, managingciirector of John Burns and Company, Limited, to-day. "Meantime, we arc applying to the City Council for permission to put a temporary roof ovci the two storeys to continue business on the present site.” Clearing operations commenced this afternoon, and some departments are resuming business within a few days. Scores of sympathetic letters ana telegrams have been received from all over New Zealand, some expressing a desire to share their stocks to help to cope with the most urgent needs. Offers of temporary premises had also been received. The Auckland Rotary Club, of which Mr. Morton Smith is past director, has offered to find employment for every member of the staff who cannot be kept on. "it has been a knock, but we have our chins up,” said Mr. Morton Smith. At a staff meeting at the Chamber of Commerce to-day, the employees were addressed by Mr. A. M. Ferguson, chairman of directors and Mr. Morton Smith. Comparing the disaster with those experienced by thousands ot firms in England, Mr. Ferguson said the insurance companies regarded this kind of fire as an act of God. The destruction in England was an act of the devil. He praised the staff for their rescue work and said the firm would endeavour to prevent any loss of employment.