MUNITIONS FACTORY FIRE.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 January 1917, Page 2

MUNITIONS FACTORY FIRE.

Serious Explosion. Great Losses. (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association and Renter.) LONDON, Jan. 20. A Ministry of Munitions official says that a fire started in a factory in the East End of London used for refining explosives. In a few minutes them was an explosion, many operatives escaping meanwhile.

All explosives and the factory wore completely destroyed. Fires were caused in neighbouring warehouses and factories, including an important flour mill.

The explosion was felt at a greao distance, and throe rows of houses in the neighbourhood were practically demolished, and other property considerably damaged or destroyed. Two firemen were killed and the chief chemist of the factory.

A number of workers were killed by being buried. The number killed in the factory and neighbourhood is not yot ascertained, but the casualties arc not nearly so heavy as anticipated. Between thirty and forty bodies have been recovered, and about a hundred are reported as seriously injured. It is officially stated that the acdent makes no appreciable difference in the output. General Botha Speaks. London Jan 20 General Botha, in a speech emphasised that General Saints would attend the War Council which would not be a conventional Imperial Conference. The Gist African campaign was practically finished, and General Botha strongly advocated the 6endmg of Natives to Europe.

Krupps Making Surprises [LONDON TIMES SERVICE.—COPYRIGHT.] London, Jun 21 Nmtral travellers stale that Krupps is working continuously providing tanks and of her noyfl:ia.\ and surprises may appear in the next offensives. The tanka require at lea&t sir mouths to build.

The Effects of Blockade (Received Jan 22, at 9.25 a.m,) Hague, Jin 21 Germany ban prohibited tbs export of luxuries to Amtro-Hungary, and has warned travellers that jewellery is liable ti seizure on the froatier, O wing to the shortage of horses Berlin polic3 have been authorised to see that oxen draw the carts. Buying Potatoes. London, J.-.n 19

Government is heavily baying potatoes in the Midland towns at £8 per toD. Sinkings. 'London, Jan 19 The Spanish steamers Valle 2265 and Manuel 2419 have been snuk. French Mobilisation. Paris, Jan 19 M. Thoms informed a parliamentary committee that Franca was contemple. tiDg a general mobilisation of civilians.

Russian Captures. Petrograd, Jan 19 Russians during 191(5 captured 5,770 officers, 420,000 men, 525 guca, 1,661 maxima and 431 trench mortars, whereof General Bruailoff’s three months' operations on a 300 mile front yielded 80^®. Enemy Indications. Rome, Jan 19 • Tho Infomaziona said General Hindenburg’s refusal of Bulgaria’s repeated appeals to commence a great offensive in Macedonia is causing ill feeling in Sofia. The refusal is regarded as an indication that Austria and Germany cannot detach troops from the Rnsso-Ronmanian fronts.

Russian Official. London, Jan 20 Russian official—Covered by con* centrated artiliery fire considerable enemy forces are attacking on the Moneschi front in the vicinity of the river Rimnik and have pressed oar dotachments back towards the Sereth, The enemy exclusively used explosive bullets loutb east of Rakotiach also in the Caucasus. Blockade Continues. Athens, Jau 20 Tho situation has greatly improved. The released Yenezelista are unmolested. The queetion of indemnifying them against imprisonment has been settled. , The Allied commission states that the blockade will not be raised until all the demands are carried outc, which will take y from nice tolen days. Tiie Swiss Mobilising. Washington, Jan 21 The Swiss Government has notified her ambassador direct that all conditional leave reservists are to proceed home for mobilisation. Three additional divisions are to be mobilised by the 24th.