FIRE ON THE STEAHEI TURAKINA;

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 4 October 1907, Page 3

FIRE ON THE STEAHEI TURAKINA;

AMONG THE CARGO. A RETURN TO WELLINGTON. [U-CISD Peess Association.] WELLINGTON, Friday. r " The steamer Turakina, which left °" Auckland on the 26th ult. for London, c ", is signelled outside with her cargo on ? fire. it '.° LATER DETAILS, ln THE FIRE WELL UNDER CONTROL. WELLINGTON, Friday. The fire on the Turakina broke out in No. 1 hold among the general cargo, consisting largely of wool, fiax and tow. It was first noticed at 5 o'clock on Sunday afternoon, when the steamer was 550 miles from Chatham Islands and 1000 miles from Wellington. The holdand forepart of the vessel were sealed down to prevent draught, and the sulphur oxide engine began to pump extinguishing gas into the part affected, while the water was played on top of the hatch. The outbreak was confined co the 'tween-decks, No. 1 hold, and held in check till the vessel arrived in Wellington at 11 o'clock to-day. It is not anticipated that there will be any great difficulty in completely '. suppressing the fire. The extent of the damage will not be known till later in the day. The official report of the fire, made by Captain Forbes, is as follows : — "On Sunday, 29th September, the ship, being about 550 miles from Chatham Islands / and 1000 from Well. ncrtj^n emnlr.- w.c

(*.••« *\J-.V tiuiu ITCIII.IgUUIJ, _>l_ll._-V Wltß seen issuing from No. 1 hold. The hatch \ was closed and all ventilation with the hild was closed. The Clayton fire extinguisher machine was then started into the hold, and the ship's course was set for Wellington arid to pass close to Chatham Island. By continuous working of 4 the C'ayton machine and a constant flow of water on the hatch coverings arid deck, the firfe was prevented from spreading. Boats were provisioned ready for immediate use, and all possible speed was made for Wellington. Unfortunately strong winds were experienced, culminating in a heavy gale and a big sea on the night of the 2nd October. The signal station was communicated with at 10.30, and theTura. kina Was berthed at the Queen's Wharf at noon.