FIRE AT MESSRS A. ROSS, ROUGH AND CO.’S MILL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 4407, 20 October 1934, Page 3

FIRE AT MESSRS A. ROSS, ROUGH AND CO.’S MILL.

tow; teasing shed and PLANT DESTROYED.

SERIOUS LOSS TO INDUSTRY.

Fire occurred at Messrs A. Ross, Rough and Co.’s mill in Johnston Street, shortly before midday yesterday, as a result of Avhieli the company’s operations will be considerably curtailed and the supply of upholsterer’s and plasterer’s tow affected to a large extent. The outbreak occurred in the tOAV teasing department which Avas located in a shed adjoining the mill proper on the south side. Within a few minutes of the alarm being given the shed Avas ablaze from end to end and only the prompt action of mill employees and the Foxton Volunteer Fire Brigade, prevented the spread of the flames to the mill, and office buildings and Mr H. A. Hannav’s petrol station and bulk store adjoining on the north.

Dense black smoke rose to a considerable height and during the progress of the fire it Avas impossible to see in the roadway. Fortunately there was very little Avind and there Avas no draught through the building. An excellent water pressure Avas available and Avithin a Aery short time the conflagration was got under control, but not before the building was gutted and extensive damage done to the plant Avhich included two carding machines, two toAV teasei 7 s, power -press, rope standing machine, coil winder, drawing machine and a 25 horse poAver motor. The plant Avas coA’ered by insurance but the company’s loss is a very serious one. The department handled a large proportion of the supply of upholsterer’s and plasterer’s toAV and formed an important phase of the company’s activities of late. The supply of this commodity Avill doav be considerably affected.

A large croAvd congregated during the progress of the fire and traffic in Johnston St. Avas interrupted.

InteiwieAA’ed by our representative Mr R. 'Coley, avlio Avith Mr L. Coley, Avas the only occupant of the shed at the time of the outbreak, said that he Avas in the act of starting up the machinery Avhen the fire occurred. He pushed the sAvitch of the starter when a flash and a report resulted folloAving Avhich the toAA 7 dust around the starter ignited. He immediately endeavoured to run out the mill hose and concentrate a fIoAV of. water on the seat of the outbreak but Avithin a feAV seconds he Avhole shed Avas ablaze.