FIRE ON THE MATATUA

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8364, 26 February 1913, Page 11

FIRE ON THE MATATUA

CARGO OF HEMP DAMAGED. ■ Press Association. TIMARU, February 25. At 1.40 this morning a fire was discovered to have broken out in No. 6 hold of the steamer Hatatna, which arrived in port yesterday. The ship’s fire apparatus was soon fixed in position and aU the ventilator and air passages were blocked immediately the alarm w!as given,, thus preventing further bonflagratioii. The cargo is composed of hemp, find the cause of tho outbreak is aa yet unknown. The main deck in tho proximity of tho hatch was very much heated before the extinguisher got to work. The fire, was got under before noon. The hatches were taken off, and the captain of the steamer and two firemen went into the hold. Soon after air got into the hold, bales of flax burst into flames, but water was poured on them, and the smoking bales were hoisted on to the wharf, where water was again poured on them. •By the united efforts of water, chemicals and steam, the fire was got under, and a serious Conflagration averted. Aa the flax was shipped at Auckland nothing is known hero of tho insurances or the shippers. The damage is estimated at from £BOOO to £IO,OOO. The vessel herself is thought to have suffered little. A general average will bo struck, and possibly the flax auctioned here. The work of fnlly unloading No. 5 hold is proceeding.