FIRE IN THE CITY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22183, 9 August 1935, Page 10

FIRE IN THE CITY

If AT FACTORY OUTBREAK . —— FLAMES SOON SUPPRESSED) STAFF WORKING AT TlMfe GREAT COOLNESS OF GIRLS A fire broke out on the premises of the M.K. Millinery Manufacturing Company, Limited, in Cook Street, City, shortly before seven o'clock last even-' ing, Although the employees were still in the building, no one was injured. Tho outbreak occurred in the hat. stiffening department in tho basement and! was first noticed by two boys working there. They promptly' informed the manager, who telephoned to the central fire station. Two engines from the central station were quickly on the scene, being followed by one each from the Parnell and Western District stations. When the nature of the outbreak was discovered, however, the two la,titer machines returned. The firemen took several leads down "S elver ton Terrace, which runs along the side of the building, and attacked the seat of the fire. Fortunately, the flames had not gained a strong hold and were held in check by water before being put out by hand extinguishers. The firemen were assisted by some of the staff wh6 were working in the.base. ment and by several bystanders. A large number of girls who wer« working on the floor above the firo were informed immediately it was discovered, and although dense sm,oke issued from the door leading from the baso ment, there was no panic. Several of the girls left the building, but the majority remained in the room until tho fire was extinguished and assisted ill covering a large number of hats oa the benches. The damage, which was estimated at from £2OO to £3OO, was practically confined to a small concrete room in which some of the stiffening plant- and spraying fluid is stored. Cases of materia! were hastily cleared away, and little damage was done by water. Most of tho hats on the ground floor were covered and little damage was done by smoke. The contents of the building were insured in the Insurance OlEce of Australia for £10,000.. MOTOR-CAR IN FLAMES INCIDENT AT FERRY WHARF An exciting few minutes were experienced at the Devonport vehicle ferry, wharf in the early hours of yesterday morning when a big touring car that was about to be run on board the ferry suddenly burst into flames. The car had arrived just after the steamier had moved off, and the steamer was put liack to pick it up. Just as the car moved off flames broke out from the" J bonnet and obtained an immediate hold. With the assistance of an Autoxiiobile .Association patrol and a member of the boat's crew with a fire extinguisher the owner got the flames subdued, but not before considerable damage had been done. The car was pushed on to the ferry and afterward pushed off again on arrival at the city side.