DESTRUCTIVE FiRE AT GORE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LII, Issue 52, 1 March 1918, Page 5

DESTRUCTIVE FiRE AT GORE.

FLOUR AND OATMEAL MILL

GUTTED

(United Press Association.)

GORE, This Day. A most disastrous fir© occurred _at 7 o'clock to-day when Fleming and Company's extensive cereal mills were almost completely gutted. The damage •will run into five figures. The fire was first noticed in the oatmeal department and spread with astonishing- rapidity through the creamoata works* storage department and oatmeal department, and spread to the third floor. In 25 minutes "the flajfres were .through the root oh the-fourth floor. - Falling beams and machinery .rapidly earned the flamesto-the basement. The south end of the building-was partially saved, including the offices. -The two floors above were mostly used for storage and flour making. The firm was .carrying very heavy stocks of raw material, lhe fire occurred at the worst time of the jear, the season's contracts just haying been completed. The brigade did splendid work but was hampered in coping: with tbe ,outbreak owing to a somewhat poor pressure. The insurances, which are in the New Zealand Office, are unavailable as yet. The fire was still burning a£.9.30 but was well in hand. \- ,_, Thirty-five hands have been rendered idl*.