FIRE ON MAKURA

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 21 May 1926, Page 9

FIRE ON MAKURA

EXTRA EDITION.

STRENUOUS BATTLE.

BEFORE OUTBREAK PUT OUT

LITTLE DAMAGE DONE

BY CABLE—CRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT

Received 12.25 p.m. to-day. SYDNEY, May 21. It is an unhappy coincidence that the Makura’s new master, Captain Mawson ,only assumed command yesterday, relieving Captain Worna.ll, who is retiring. A ship's fireman first noticed the fire, and when the brigades arrived a section of the stokehold was a raging furnace. The heat was almost unbearable, and smoke made respiration nearly impossible. The firemen worked hard and kept, the flames from the fuel reservoir. An inspection afterwards showed how serious 'the position would have beeil if the flames had swept this vital portion of the ship. While the fire was being extinguished another outbreak was reported from C deck, but with powerful pumps i pouring in unlimited quantities of salt water the flames were soon out. A hurried survey later showed that the intrinsic damage will probably not exceed a few hundred pounds. No structural damage was occasioned to tie ship, and the repair work was undertaken immediately.

SAILS FOR WELLINGTON TO-NIGHT.

Received 11.50 a.m. to-day. SYDNEY, May 21

It is announced that the Makura sails at 8 o’clock to-night- for Wellington.