Heavy Loss in Wool Store at Waitara

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 6, 8 January 1944, Page 4

Heavy Loss in Wool Store at Waitara

(Per Press Association.) NEW PLYMOUTH, Jan. 7.

A disastrous fire which broke out in the wool-cleaning and drying store of Thos. Borthwick and Sons’ works at Waitara at five o’clock this morning completely demolished the main twostorey bays adjoining. No estimate of the value of the buildings, plant and stock affected could be given to-day by the manager (Mr. P. J. Allen), nor of the insurances covering tho damage, but a survey of the destruction suggests that it must run to some thousands of pounds. The buildings themselves represent a considerable amount but the contents, including expensive plant and stocks, are by far the greatest loss. Killing was proceeding as usual to-day and every effort is to be made to maintain production and to keep faith with the farmers. The fire is not expected to affect the work to any extent in the next few days until temporary cover is provided for the reconditioned plant. In tho meantime an endeavour is being made to dry the wool in the open and it is hoped the fine weather will hold. The buildings affected iuvolve tho works in a temporary loss of approximately 24,000 feet of floor space. Included in the stores burnt were about 1200 bags of lime, 1000 wool packs, 119 drums of sodium, 64 bales of wool and about 30,0001 b. of loose wool representing two days’ killings, 13,044 lamb and 1209 sheep pelts, 6437 green pelts and 2524 skins. Among the plant damaged by fire were two Petrie wool driers one of which was a recent installation.

When tlie fire was discovered by the nightwatchman there was a sharp crackling sound and dense smoke. The place then almost instantaneously burst into flames which enveloped tho whole of the store and quickly spread to tlie adjoining bays. No explanation of the cause of the fire could be given to-day.