Auckland Witnesses Disastrous Biaze

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7250, 1 September 1933, Page 6

Auckland Witnesses Disastrous Biaze

HEAVY DAMAGE TO TINSMITH FACTORY Per Press AssociationAUCKLAND, Aug. 31. Damage estimated to exceed £25,000 was done by lire early this morning to portion of the tinsmith factory of Alex Harvey and Sous, Ltd., in Albert street. The two top lioors were completely gutted and on the ground floor only the office and a section at tho' rear escaped the flames, and these were damaged by water. Tho alarm was received at 2.45 'o’clock, by which time the upper part of the building was enveloped in flames and the machinery was falling to the ground floor, making lire fighting dangerous, About three dozen valuablo machines were destroyed or seriously damaged. Tho amount of stock lost cannot bo determined until it is dried out. About 100 employees are affected, but they will bo transferred to the firm’s other factory. The firm’s books were saved, as were several new machines also on tho ground floor. Tho insurances on tho building, stock, and plant total about £35,000. A cellar used by another firm nearby was flooded and about 500 windows in an adjoining office building will require replacement. Damage Probably Exceeds £30,000 AUCKLAND, Last Night. The flro in Harvey and Son’s premises was one of the most disastrous in the city area for several years, the damage exceeding probably £30,000. It was stated subsequently that the net loss was expected to be considerably more than £20,000. The insurances, which are with Lloyds’, wore stated to be approximately £IO,OOO on tho building, £20,000 on the plant and £IO,OOO on the stock. The building at the back of the main premises, whero new plant, valued at £SOOO, was situated, and which was not poyered by, ssj&fie.d, damage*