FIRE ON THE APARIMA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13486, 13 May 1907, Page 6

FIRE ON THE APARIMA.

EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE. '

A NARROW ESCAPE.

The Union Company's steamer Aparima, on board of which it was reported a fire had taken place at Singapore, in April last, arrived at Auckland late on Friday night, having been delayed on the voyage by meeting with strong head winds and thick dirty weather almost the whole way from Java.

The particulars regarding the fire show that the Aparima arrived at Singapore from Calcutta on April 8, and after discharging about 3000 tons of cargo commenced taking in general merchandise for New Zealand port*. The steamer had practically concluded her loading on the morning of the 12th, and was to leave for ma rang and-Auck-land at noon of that date.

At half-past nine a.m. the third officer noticed smoke issuing from the starboard ventilator of No. 2 hold, and he at once raised the alarm. In a few minutes officers and crew were at their stations, and an examination showed that a fire was making rapid progress in the lower hold, in which were stowed a large quantity of gunnies and bone meal. The fire hoses were brought into requisition, and steady streams of water were soon playing on the seat of the outbreak.

An alarm having been given to the shore authorities the wharf fire brigade and three fire-floats were sent to the assistance of the crew of the steamer. The hold was flooded with water, but it was not until one p.m. that, the fire was got under control, and by three, p.m. it was extinguished, and the work of pumping out the water commenced.

As soon as possible the men commenced to discharge the cargo, working continuously throughout the night and the following day, and by night all was landed. On the morning of the 13th a slight outbreak of fire took place in the same hold, but was soon subdued.

A survey was held on the cargo on the 14th, when 'it was discovered that between 400 and 500 tons were totally destroyed, and the balance more or less damaged. This was, however, re-shipped, and the Aparima resumed her voyage 011 April 17. The cargo destroyed and damaged was principally consigned to Auckland, but until the bills of lading are presented to the Union Steam Ship Company the consignees will not be known. A genera) average on the Calcutta and Singapore cargo will, however, be levied.

When the fire first broke out it was feared that, on account of the hold which it had obtained before being discovered, it would prove a serious one. Owing to the prompt measures taken, however, by the officers and crew of the steamer, and the shore authorities, this was averted, and the steamer suffered no damage whatever. ,

During the remainder of the voyage Captain Stotb made a daily. examination of the cargo in the hold where the fire took place, so as to prevent any possible recurrence of the lire.