BAGNALL'S MILLS AT TURUA BURNED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7271, 9 March 1885, Page 5

BAGNALL'S MILLS AT TURUA BURNED.

[BY telegraph.—own CORRESPONDENT.] Thames, Sunday. Bagnall Brothers' mill at Turua, on the Thames River, was destroyed by fire" about three o'clock this morning. The origin is a mystery, as Mr. Wellington Bagnall was about the yard at half-past twelve, and saw no sign of fire. Some persons may have been sleeping in the mill, or some of the workmen coming home from Shortland, possibly in liquor, may have been careless with lights. Again, although work ceased at four in the afternoon, fire has bran known to smoulder in sawdust for many hours. The fire had firm grip before being discovered, and all that could be done was to confine it to the mill. There is a considerable stock of timber, which is unharmed. It is difficult to say what the loss will be, as much will depend upon the effect of the fire upon the machinery, which largely consists of iron work. The two planing machines alone cost £500. The insurances aie £1000 in the New Zealand office; but Mr, L. J. Bagnall thinks it is not likely to cover the loss, and should not be surprised if the repairs require £500 in addition. He antic-pates that the mill will be soon at work agtin. He thinks the fire was accidental