BLAZE AT AUCKLAND

Hokitika Guardian, 26 November 1928, Page 6

BLAZE AT AUCKLAND

£SOOO DAMAGES CAUSED

(By Telegraph—Press Association)

AUCKLAND. Nov. 24

A lire which threatened to bo of a sensational nature took place on the premises of the Manchester Costume Coy in Ruru Street, a little before noon to-day. The building is constructed of wood throughout, with tbe exception of tbe roof. The lire occurred on the ground floor, which is below the road level, and quickly got a firm hold, licking up to the second floor ami ceiling. After half an hour’s hard light the city Fire Brigade had the outbreak well in hand.

The company employs close on 50 hands, and these left work at 1.45 a.m., when work ceased for the weekend. The executive members of the firm, including Mr H. Winters, were in the factory until a little after H o’clock, when everything was reported to he in order, and the building was locked up as usual. Shortly after they had gone the workroom was in flames, and a passing railwayman gave the alarm.

According to Mr Winters, the stock on the premises was valued at well over £SOOO. and the machinery at £1.500. New season’s samples were under way. and the loss would he hard to replace. He was of the opinion that the losses would run to well over £SOOO to stock and fittings, while the machinery, valued at £ISOO, was all ruined. The insurances are unavailable. LATER,

The damage to the Manchester Costume Company’s Factory is now estimated at over fourteen thousand pounds. The machinery and stock are valued by Mr A. F. McArthur, Managing Director, at £2500, and at least £9500 respectively; while it is estimated the building suffered to the extent of about two thousand pounds. Tbe insurance, all with Lloyds, were