Destruction of the Rukubla Cheese Factory.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1702, 7 May 1886, Page 3

Destruction of the Rukubla Cheese Factory.

[Waikato Times 20th of April.] As was briefly announced m our last issue the Rulcaliia Cheese and Bacon Factory together with the managers hou e y adjouu-u ? , was totally destroyed by fire nt an early hour on Saturday morning. Notliinß really is known as to the origin of the fire. The manager and his assistant, a lad naiund Dalton, were sound asleep, and the former was awakened by hearmff the crackling of the flames. He at once pimped out of bed, and roused the hoy, but they were not ahle to do anything beyond saving a few cheeses, and m removing these thPV loafcall. their personal belongings. When first observed the flames appeared to be coming out of the top of the factory. building, which was formerly the grand stand of the Waikato Turf Club. Too roof Was at one time com - posed of felt, hid on boards, but tha felt was. replaced by iron. It is thonght, howevfiyttiat somo portions migh^nave been left, abpnt the eaves, and .tnw-J spark from tho engine house ignited them. *#ho wind was blowing from the engine-^oii^,which was Iho last part of the iHiilding to uo. With the tnfl.ne exceprton referred to, the whole stoc-k of chert*, (about nine tons), together with the. .'machinery and fixtureSj the manager's cottage and contents were completely destroyed. The engine and boiler were only slightly damaged, llie bmldings and plant were insured for £900 in' the National Office, but the stock fa cheese vnlurd at between £500 and £600 Was not, we regret to say. covered by a policy. The factory will be greatly missed by many settlers m tho vicinity, to whonv it gave_ a steady and inrome. It is not known whether it will be re-ewctod, as at the 1 present timo the 'assets, mcludme land and insurance policies will only abon^balahce the liabilities, and fresh capital will ■be roqnired if operations are to" be recmnmunced. Owrng to various causes, chief among which we belipye.wap the unsuitable position of the i-ap'tory, <he company was not a success financially, though the cheese turned out by the manager; Mr Speake, was of tho finest quality, and hart made a name for itself all over the provincial district; ..... ;