FIRE AT SMITHFIELD FREEZING WORKS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CVIII, Issue 12972, 13 November 1902, Page 2

FIRE AT SMITHFIELD FREEZING WORKS.

A fire was discovered about 2 a.ra. yes■terday morning in the manure factory at the Smithfield Freezing Works, Timani, the building being of wood, and iron, and well detached from the- freezing works. The night workmen who first noticed the fire, when flames were already issuing from tho building, got out the fire hose kept at the ’works*, and attacked the fire. As it was impossible to- save the manure sheds, they directed their efforts to saving the adjoining tallow-shed, in which was a large quantity of tallow. A number of the neighbouring residents assisted, and though the outer wall of the tallow shedl was frequently alight, the flames were prevented from getting a secure hold. A young man cycled to Timaru and rang the fire-bell, and after soma’ considerable delay in getting horses,' the manual engine and hose were taken out to the works. By this time, however, the fire had almost completed the destruction of the manure house. Large numbers of people made their, way to the scene of the fire, it being reported that tbe main works were in flames. The origin of the fire is unknown, but as the manures, in some stages of manufacture, generate some heat, spontaneous combustion baa been suggested. Some costly machinery was practically destroyed, or at all events, very badly damaged, and a stock of manure valued at more than £IO,OOO, was very seriously damaged, but to what extent could not be estimated yesterday. The insurances were; —Building £2OOO, dryers £IOOO, bone-mills £450, engine £250, shafting and hefting at £2OO, stock, including guano and superphosphates £4OOO ; total £7900. The amount | was widely distributed. j