FIRES IN AUSTRALIA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20071, 8 October 1928, Page 9

FIRES IN AUSTRALIA.

PAPER MILLS GUTTED. GREAT LOSS SUSTAINED. OUTBREAK AT SEASIDE. 30 COTTAGES DESTROYED. (Received October ?. 1.5 a.m.) SYDNEY, Oct, 7. At the height of a windstorm early this afternoon a fire broke out at the Australian Paper Mills, Lane Cove River. The plant covered an area of 20 acres. This and three barges were gutted. The file threatened to become serious in tho adjoining bush, but is believed now to be under control. Several men engaged in fighting tho flames had narrow escapes. The firemen had little chance against the fierce wind which fanned tho blaze. Tho tiro is supposed to liavo started on ono of tho barges, but its origin is inexplicable. Tho damage is estimated at £500,000. Another firo at VYoy Wov, a seaside resort north of Sydney, destroyed more than 30 cottages. Tho damage is estimated at £15,000. Tho fierce galo and the absence of fire-fighting appliances rendered the spectators helpless. The Coronation box factory at Redfern was destroyed yesterday by a firo which spread to adjoining houses on either side. In the factory two floors were gutted and machinery and a largo quantity of timber in tho yard was burned. Tho houses were badly damaged. The losses are assessed at £50.000.