Kawau Fire Threatens 50 Craft

Northern Advocate, 18 April 1938, Page 7

Kawau Fire Threatens 50 Craft

[Special To “Northern Advocate/ M

AUCKLAND, This Day

Fire seriously threatened 50 valuable yachts and launches and other craft anchored in Mansion House Bay, Kawau. during the week-end. An outbreak occurred on the launch Huia at; about 9.30 o’clock on Saturday night, and spread fiercely and rapidly, until a general conflagration was feared.

Daring work on the part of the owner of the Huia. Mr Andrew Donovan, aged 28. of Auckland, prevented the anticipated danger arising.

He was severely burned before jumping into the sea from the blazing craft, ami several yachtsmen ignored the possibility of three drums of petrol exploding when they finally managed to suppress the flames on the launch with chemical extinguishers. Fetrol Lamp Explodes. A petrol lamp on board the launch exploded; the flames spreading rapidly and soon enveloping the whole of the cockpit. Mr Donovan contrived to shut the communicating doors to prevent the flames spreading to three drums of petrol. He called other members of the crew and escaped through the hatchway and jumped overboard. He was taken to the Mansion House, and later by launch to the Warkworth Cottage Hospital, where his burns were treated. His condition is not serious. Fire Suppressed. By the time an organised attempt was being made to suppress the flames, the store of petrol had already been, reached by the flames, and it appeared most likely that the three drums would explode, with consequent disastrous results to the other craft; in the harbour. Furious work, however, at close range with chemical extinguishers, enabled tire flames to be put out, but not before the Huia. a 35-foot launch, had been damaged to the extent of about £SO. The vessel is insured. SCHOOL COMMITTEES A wanui .—Messrs. H. G. Subritzky (chairman), H. W. Dylans (secretary), H. Switzer, J. Dragicevich, T. Blythe, R. Jarvis and Mrs Harrison. KAITAIA. Mr F. Rowe has been re-elected chairman, Mr A. E. Hollay secretary, and Mr F. Donaldson treasurer, of the Kaitaia District High School Committee. OKAIHAU. The attendance at the householders’ meeting at the Consolidated School was undoubtedly a record, The whole of the seating accommodation was occupied and a considerable number stood at the rear.

Mr H. Lock, the retiring chairman, took the opportunity to welcome Mr Burnett and his staff.

The following committee was elected: Messrs. A. A. Anderson (chairman). E. N. Nelson (secretary), Mrs H. Langlands. Messrs. H. Lock. E. Cook, C. G. Blundell and H. Jordan. A motion of appreciation of the services of the old committee, sponsored by Messrs. Sheridan and Ross, was carried unanimously.