DAIRY FACTORY BURNED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20307, 15 July 1929, Page 10

DAIRY FACTORY BURNED.

PREMISES AT NGARUAWAHIA. INADEQUATE WATER PRESSURE. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN" CORRESPONDENT.] HAMILTON. Sunday. The butler factory of the New Zealand Co-operative Dairy Company, Limited, at Ngaruawahia was destroyed by fire early yesterday morning. The loss in buildings and plant is estimated to be over £20,000. The outbreak was discovered by the manager's wife, Mrs. A. Garry, who was awakened at 3.30 by the glare of the flames breaking through the factory roof. The water pressure was inadequate and the fire quickly spread from its point of origin in the boiler room. In spite of the severe handicap imposed by the low pressure the Ngaruawahia Fire Brigade was able to save four glass-lined vats in the vat-room, valued at about £SOO each, while a fifth, slightly burned, was also salvaged. The outside buildings and offices were saved and tho factory hands worked strenuously to removo fittings and about three tons of butter in store. When the flames were subdued, after about two hours, it was found that the modern butter-making plant was almost a total loss.

Erected 37 years ago, the Ngaruawaliia factory was one of the oldest in the Waikato. but it was one of the most extensive factories of the New Zealand Co-operative Dairy Company. The most up-to-date machinery was installed in the old building three years ago, and the building was largely reconstructed. The factory had an output of 2200 tons, and was expected to do service for another 20 vcars.

From to morrow the cream supply from south of Ngaruawaliia will be handled at the company's Frankton factory, while that produced north of Ngaruawaliia will bo despatched to Tuakau and Paerata. The new season is about to commence but the company's organisation is such that little inconvenience will be experienced by suppliers.

The factory was insured in the Eagle Star and British Dominions Ofiicc. Three factories have been lost by fire in the Waikato during the last three months. In April the llorsham Downs Cooperative Dairy Company's butter factory was destroyed, and in Juno the New Zealand Co-operative Dairy Company's cheese factory at Manawaru was razed.