DESTRUCTIVE FIRES

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 24971, 14 August 1944, Page 4

DESTRUCTIVE FIRES

NEW YORK WATERFRONT CONEY ISLAND OUTBREAK (Recti. 9.5 p.m.) NEW YORK, Auk. J2 War materials unofficially estimated at .0,000.000 dollars' worth were destroyed in a fire on Iloboken waterfront, Now York, last night. Tho fire was brought under control early today after it had destroyed one pier and badly damaged two others, together with a big office and warehouse buildings. Eight men are reported to have lost their lives in the fire, but so far this is not Confirmed. Firemen and fire boats were still fighting tho fire 24 hours after its outbreak. The firo followed an explosion while drums of oxalino, nitro cellulose and other inflammable materials wore being loaded on to three lighters at one of the piers. Other explosions occurred as the fire spread to two neighbouring wharves. A lighter and four barges were destroyed ai<d two other lighters damaged. Ships and an ammunition barge were towed from tho danger zone and firefloats, tugs and picket boats were used to fight tne blaze. Firemen from New York and New Jersey were assisted by 500 coastguards. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the cause of the fire, which*so far is not known. A spectacular fire which broke out suddenly while thousands of New Yorkers thronged Coney Island, seeking relief from the hot weather, destroyed half the famous Luna Park amusement area. In spite of the crowds, nobody was seriously injured. The fire started from a short circuit and it spread rapidly. In three hours it had levelled 15 buildings and caused damage estimated at 500.000 dollars. ROCKET BOMB OUTPUT FRENZIED GERMAN EFFORTS WORK ON NEW DEVICE (Reed. 5.35 p.m.) LONDON, Aug. 12 The Allies and the Germans are competing in an all-out race against time in the battle of V2—the rocket shell reported to weigh ten tdns which the enemy is frenziedlv building to launch against London, says the aviation correspondent of the Daily Express. German engineers and scientists are reported to be working day and night to get V2 working within the next few weeks, while the British and American troops are making a full-scale effort to destroy the Wehrmacht in France and force Germany's surrender in time to prevent the rockets being launched. It is known that Germany has already produced a great number of rockets, which suggests they have sites almost completed from which to launch them. It is likely the enemy has at least half a dozen launching sites, although the Allied air forces so far are only officially reported to have raided two in France. The remainder may bo in Germany. A specimen of V2 is already reported to have been dropped in Sweden, where it caused devastation for a quarter of a mile, mostly from blast. German scientists are working on an automatic diving device for the new rocket bomb, says the aviation correspondent of the Daily Mail, who recently interviewed an Austrian deserter from a German rocket bomb research factory. The Austrian told tho correspondent that scientists are trying to apply the photo-electric cell to the diving device. The cell is sensitive to light, and tho idea is to use it so the bomb will dive on a target already illuminated by incendiary bombs dropped by a preceding plane. TRIPLE LAUNCHING NEW AMERICAN WARSHIPS PHILADELPHIA, Auk. 12 The Navy Department announces that a triple christening ceremony will bo held on Sunday, August 20, of tho aircraft-carrier Antietam, 27,000 tons, and two cruisers the Chicago and the Los Angeles, each 13,000 tons. The Associated Press says the three warships were built simultaneously at neighbouring drvdocks. Instead of the customarv launchings the dock will bo flooded beforehand and the ships floated out later. MEN FOR OVERSEAS POST-WAR AMERICAN NEEDS (Reed. 0-.80 p.m.) NEW YORK, Auk. 13 Major-Genera I L. B. Hershey, Director of Solectivo Service, told the press during a tour of western States that tho American people would have to brace themselves for the prospect of seeing men sent to selective servicej many for overseas, month after month, even after tho war. This would be necessary in order to effect orderlv demobilisation, which should be di'rected to relieving first those with the longest service. Probably Selective Service would have to continuo drafting 10,000 men a month, or a little less, almost indefinitely. 839 ENEMY SHIPS SUNK AMERICAN TOTAL TO DATE (Reed. 5.35 p.m.) WASHINGTON. Auk. 12 A United States Navy Department' communique says that American submarines in tho Pacific have sunk 16 more Japanese vessels, including one escort vessel, five cargo transports, nine cargo vessels and one tanker. The total number of Japanese vessels sunk by United States submarines is now 839. SAFEGUARDS IN TOKYO LONDON, Aug. 12 The Berlin radio, quoting a message from Tokyo, said that in order to make Tokyo safer against air raids over 10,000 houses have been demolished. This has caused the greatest transfer of population since the earthquake of 1923.