WELLINGTON EXPLOSION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVI, Issue 45, 22 January 1926, Page 6

WELLINGTON EXPLOSION.

BURSTING OF A CYLINDER. BUILDING CATCHES ON FIRE. A devastating explosion and fire occurred in the blacksmith’s shop of J. J. Niven and Company’s foundry, Wakefield street, Wellington, at about 10.30 o’clock last night. The trouble was caused by tho explosion or uii oxygen cylinder. The tremendous report, which was heard throughout tho city, was followed by a Hash, and soon the building was fiercely ablaze. The fire brigade were on tho scene in a few moments, and it was not long before they had the outbreak under control. As a result of the explosion the entire front of the blacksmith’s shop was blown off, and much of the roof and walls were shattered. The wall separating; the offices adjoining the shop was stove i in, and the contents of tho offices, books, papers, etc., were strewn in a shapeless heap on the floor.

A crowd of several hundred had gathered, but soon melted away when the fire was subdued.

The theory (says the Dominion) is that the great heat yesterday caused the expansion of the oxygen, which probably found out some weak spot in the construction of the cylinder which gave way. under the tremendous fitrrin.

After the explosion the shop gave the appearance of having been under heavy shell fire. Tho whole building was ablaze, great gashes had been made in the front, and roof sides, and windows in the neighbouring office had been shattered. Inside tho shop much damage had evidently been done to the machinery. Undoubtedly, but for the prompt arrival of tho brigade, the fire would have resulted in the destruo* tion of tho building and plant.

OPERA HOUSE PATRONS - SI.xRTLED. ACTRESS PREVENTS PANIC. The full force ot the explosion was felt in tho Opera House, which was crowded with patrons of the J. C. Williamson “Leave it to Jane” company. The building was shaken to its foundations, and the windows at tne back of the building were blown out. A number of tho staff set out for tne open air, fearing that tho building was coming down. Everybody present in the lioqse was badly startled, but the situation was saved by Miss Dorothy Lena, who was singing at the time. Miss Lena faltered for just a moment, and then pfuckily continued her song, and the audience, who only needed the least provocation to stampede, remained seated.