EXTENSIVE FIRES.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 5832, 24 February 1906, Page 5

EXTENSIVE FIRES.

BIG TIAHJER YARD ABLAZE. GOOD WORK BY SYDNEY FIRE BRIGADES. DAAIAGE OVER £30,000. SYDNEY, February 23. Alackenzio’s timber yard at Pynnont lias been completely gutted. The Austral Box Company's factory adjoining was also destroyed. During tbo height of tho fire a strong southerly wind sprang no. The scene of tlio outbreak adjoined Allan Taylor's largo timber yards, and was surrounded by a number of other yards. Several vessels were also lying at wharves in tho vicinity. There was every indication of a disastrous conflagration, but tho men of tho brigades, who turned out in full force, assisted by largo detachments of bluejackets from various warships, succeeded, after a desperate light, in confining tho fire to tho premises destroyed, thus effecting a splendid save.

Considerable danger was experienced in getting vessels moored at the wharves out of tho fire zone into the stream.

While tho firo wan burning with tremendous fierceness a falling stack of timber smashed a standpipe, and interfered somewhat with the water plyTho firo was a splendid spectacle. Tho sky was lit for miles around the city, and an immense crowd congregated. Tho damage is estimated as in the vicinity of £'30,000. It is partially covered hy insurance.

Though tho firo was prevented from getting hold of Taylor’s yard, timber and fittings were damaged to tho extent of £ISOO.

THE INSURANCES. (Received February. 23. 10.20 p.m.) SYDNEY, February 23. Tho Austral 'Timber Company estimates its Ira-KCH at from £3OOO to £'lo,ooo. Tho stock of timber consumed—mctttly New Zealand white pine—totalled one and a half million feet. Tho insurances aro as follows: Austral 'Timber Company, £SOOO in the New Zealand office; Allan Taylor £3500 in tho National of New Zealand: Mackenzie, £15,000 (including £5750 in tho Now Zealand and £2500 in the Scuth British).