HEAVY DAMAGE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 60, Issue 4350, 1 November 1950, Page 5

HEAVY DAMAGE

MAY EXCEED £20,000 TE AROHA FACTORY WORKING ALMOST NORMALLY Although it is just a week ago since fire heavily damaged the Te Aroha-Thames Valley Co-opera-tive Dairy Company Limited’s factory, production is almost back to normal again. Some departments are operating .under difficulties and the staff has had to improvise in some cases, -but nevertheless excellent progress is (being made. A brief survey at the close of last week revealed that the two ments which suffered most damage were still out of action, but alternative arrangements had been made and they had resumed their activities. In another department carpenters, electricians and other workmen were completing repair work and by now that department will be in full operation again.

Salvage gangs have been working at full pressure over the past few days and have shifted tons of materials, but it is likely that this tremendous job will take many weeks to complete.

No strictly accurate account of the damage done by the fire was obtainable* as yet as the relative records have not yet been finished. However, it is highly probable that thfe loss which was first estimated at about £20,000 will be in excess of that amount. The assessors are still engaged in the compilation of their reports and it may be some time before they are available. Equipment Rendered Useless

An inspection of those parts of the building damaged by the fire showed that the storeroom and box-making departments have yet to be cleared. It was learned that practically the whole of the stock, plant and equipment were rendered useless. Boxes and paper not damaged by actual fire were ruined by smoke arid water. Emergency measures implemented the day after the fire have ensured that production has not been unduly interrupted, although these temporary arrangements have caused some inconvenience and delay.

It will possibly be a -while before the trading department will be reopened, as this was one of the departments which sustained heaviest damage, but other- arrangements have been made and everything is being done to expedite trading and minimise the inconvenience to suppliers. A good deal of the damage done in this part of the building has been cleared but much more remains to be dealt with. Stocks damaged beyond repair have been celared out and all those that can be utilised are being reassembled and sorted out.

Repairs to the milk powder department are well in hand and if was expected that full operations could flow be resumed unless something unforeseen occurred. Fortunately this department escaped with the lightest damage, but production had to* be suspended owing to the packing room being disabled by fire and water. It is not known when actual rebuilding operations will -be commenced. The full extent of the damage has not been established, but in numerous instances major repairs will have to be undertaken. Warn (Praise For Brigade Warm praise for the work done 'by the Te Aroha Fire Brigade in fighting the fire has been voiced on a number of occasions and yesterday the secretary to the company, Mr H. A. Bradley, said:—

“The directorate very much appreciates the efforts of the brigade. It was due to their efficiency, energy and initiative that the factory, valued at £lOO,OOO, was saved.” The manager, Mr P. Lee, said that the brigade had worked magnificently under adverse conditions and had made a remarkable save.

“But for their efforts the whole factory would have undoubtedly gone,” said Mr Lee. “I can give the brigade a pat on the back.” He added that after the fire the brigade had arranged for a watch to be maintained throughout the night and next day just in case the fire broke out again.

Both Mr Bradley and Mr Lee were unanimous that the brigade had thoroughly deserved the praise bestowed upon it.