A BIG BLAZE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14069, 24 May 1909, Page 5

A BIG BLAZE.

... — ■♦ — '; Winery factory, gutted. \ ■", INSTRUCTION OF A COTTAGE. 0; : DAMAGE ESTIMATED AT £3000.' ; * 'nKTBOiTivE fire, which did damage to the extent -of over £3000, occurred ,n „ M«n-strect, Mount Eden, late on SaturI day night, when Messrs. Henderson and ' : pollard's joinery factory, and a hveroomed cottage, owned by Messrs. Winstone and Co., and occupied by Mr. , tt - Morland, were practically totally do- . proved, though the furniture in the latter was saved. The timber yards of the Kauri Timber ' ■ Company, which are situated at the rear • 0 f where the conflagration took place, had a narrow escape. Fortunately, how- ' ever, the wind was blowing from the north-east, and this prevented the flames ' from spreading to the timber . stacks. *" it, was shortly after 10.30 p.m., when the factory.was observed to be on fire. The alarm was at once given, and the ; Mount Eden Volunteer Fire Brigade , '. was quickly on the scene, under the direction of Captain Williams. Five leads of hose were shortly afterwards playing on i-' \'-r the blaze. >' A strong wind was blowing at the time, and despite the drenching rain, the games increased to such dimensions that the whole sky for miles around was . painted with a lurid, ruddy glare. > The raging tongues of fire now jeapt towards the cottage next door, and in an incredibly short space of time had gained - ' ''complete mastery over the structure, ' - which was speedily enveloped and gutted. The wind then died down, and the games, failing to reach any of the adjoining property, began to burn themselves out for want of fuel, and to decrease in volume. It was, however, tot ! ' • i:ntil nine o'clock yesterday morning, that they were finally extinguished. The locality of the outbreak is sup--1 posed to have been near the gas engine ' Irs the rear of Messrs. Henderson and Pollard's premises. ' At their last stock- ; taking, this firm's building, stock, and machinery were valued at £3000. They were insured for £1800 in the Standard office. • One-effect of the fire will probably be • to throw some 30 of Messrs. Henderson arid Pollard's hands out of employment. The cottage, which was built 20 years ago, was worth about £300. The insurances are not known. ; ; - - - ■ ■ ""' "" ■'- : ' •-.