AIRPORT FIRE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23275, 18 February 1939, Page 12

AIRPORT FIRE

HANGAR DESTROYED aeroplanes lost THREE CLUB MACHINES OUTBREAK AT MILSON I BY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT | PALMERSTON NORTH, Friday A disastrous fire which broko out some time before nine o'clock to-night destroyed the hangar of the Middle Districts Aero Club at Milson aerodrome and three aeroplanes that were housed in it. Casting a glare across the sky which could be seen from all parts of the city, the flames had reached a stage where it was impossible to save anything by the time the Central Fire Brigade arrived ri response to a telephone call. The first person to notice that anything was wrong went to the administration block at the aerodrome and called the brigade, which had difficulty in getting to the scene of the fire, as the road was taken up with a large number of cars driven by people who had been attracted by the reflection. The roof by this time had collapsed and the fire was beyond control. Benzine Tanks Moved About 1000 ft. of hose with two leads was run out to allow the men to deal with the fire. Little could be done except to prevent the spread of the fire. Fortunately the brigadesmen were able to remove two portable benzine tanks, with a capacity of 120 gallons each, which were in Bmall, detached iron sheds. ( Inside the hangar were a .Porterfield monoplane and two Tiger Moths, which were consumed in the flames. The only furniture that had been placed in the building was a billiard table. Modern Building The building, which was a new one and probably the most up-to-date in the Dominion, was taken over by the Middle Districts Aero Club just before Christmas aud had been in use for only two months. The official opening was to have taken place about March 18.

The building was a combined hangar and clubhouse, measuring 84ft. by 81ft. over all, and the hangar proper, which was capable of housing five light machines, was 72ft. by 45ft., constructed of a wooden framework covered with iron. The Insurances /

The loss will be heavy. All the property is covered by insurance with various insurance companies. The two Tiger Moths were valued at £I4OO each and the Porterfield at £IOOO. The building was estimated to be worth £2300. The insurance on the aeroplanes amounted to £3700, placed with the New Zealand Insurance Company; that on the building to £2OOO, in the Queensland Office; and equipment to £2OO with the Insurance Office of Australia.

Mingled with the misfortune that the club suffered in the destruction of its new premises is satisfaction that new furnishings which were to be installed on Monday of next week escaped the flames. Arrangements to Carry On The club captain, Mr. N. 11. Lecher, said to-night that the club hoped to be able to procure two aeroplanes from somewhere to enable it to continue with its training of civil reserve pilots and general club work. Six Tiger Moths were due in the Dominion within a month and the club should be able to obtain one of these from the Government. It would probably be possible also to hire or purchase a second machine from another aero club.

The origin of the fire could not be ascertained to-night, but it would appear that the outbreak started in the vicinity of the kitchen, which was on the northern side of the building. As the wind was blowing from this quarter the flames would be driven through the woodwork and obtain a good hold in a very short space of time. Traffic Confusion There was no danger to the hangar or workshops of Union Airways of New Zealand, Limited, as the wind was blowing away from them. • The wireless shack used by the Post and Telegraph Department was also fortunately situated, as the wind carried the flames and sparks in the opposite direction. The interest that the fire aroused among residents of the city and the immediate neighbourhood was indicated by the complete confusion into which hundreds of cars were thrown when some of those who had been watching the conflagration endeavoured to leave the vicinity. Cars were unable to go backward or forward for some time and many people had to approach the fire on foot for the last three-quarters of a mile.