Landing Stage Fire Today

Northern Advocate, 1 December 1949, Page 5

Landing Stage Fire Today

Apparently caused by a spark from a passing locomotive, a fire which could easily have developed into a major conflagration broke out at the rear of business premises at Whangarei at noon today. As it was. damage to the extent of about £IOO was caused. The fire occurred on the landing stage at the rear of John Burns Ltd. where an alleyway leads from Water Street.

An employee was unpacking a crate of 50 dozen English cups and saucers on the landing stage and he was indoors for a moment putting some of the crockery in the store. While he was there a Lain passed by on the nearby railway line. He looked through the door to find the crate and a small delivery van enveloped in flames. No time was lost in giving the alarm

The firm’s manager (Mr A. K Young) endeavoured to drive the burning truck away but the smoke and heat prevented him from doing so Fortunately some nen. who had nastened to the scene, were quick to lend a hand and they pushed the vehicle away from the landing stage, which was well ablaze.

The brigade arriveci within a few minutes of the call, and the flames were quelled just as they threatened to take charge of the stag", on which a considerable anroun o' highly in flammable material was stored. Next to the stage was a small room containing paint and oi which would have burned fiercely it the fire had not been brought undei control in time.

The bodywork of the truck, which belonged to the firm and was insured, was severely damaged, the fire having burned the fight-nand side badly and rendered a tyre useless.

Damage was also caused to the landing stage, but the crockery, although blackened, did nol appeal to have been otherwise damaged. A young man who was early on the scene later commentec that several people who apparently were aware of the fire before he was had stood by in apathetic wonderment -or a period when their services worn have been most valuable.