ORIGIN A MYSTERY

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLVI, Issue XLVI, 1 June 1914, Page 7

ORIGIN A MYSTERY

A HS^VX LOSS. NELSON, June 1. The cable station at Wakapuaka was burned to the ground at three o clock this morning. The fire when discovered had a good hold, and it was seen that it would be impossible to save the office. Attention* was then turned to the "'Bungalow," one of the two buildings used by the staff as quarters. This was only nine or ten' feet from the office,, and soon caught and was also totally destroyed, but the staff by splendid work with meagre appliances managed to save the building used as quarters. The paint on both these buildings was badly scorched and blistered, and there was an anxious time until their safety was assured. The loss is very heavy, as only part or one cable instrument (there were three) was saved. Another big item was the destruction of some hundred miles of artificial line. It is hoped to restore communication with Sydney and Wellington or Nelson to-day, as there is a spare set of instruments kept in place on the beach. / The cause of the outbreak is a, eomp i mlstei'V-- The staff did great work. The quarters building destroyed was occupied by six of the staff, the others occupying the large building.

The cable buildings destroyed were the property of the Government. The company's instruments, valued at between £2000 and £3000, were well insured.

Communication with Sydney from the shore office has practically been established, and the Telegraph Department is arranging communication with Nelson and Wellington.