FIRE IN WELLINGTON.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1009, 10 March 1909, Page 2

FIRE IN WELLINGTON.

HARBOR BOARD SIIKD DKSTUOYED. (Peu Press Association.) Wellington, March 10. Just before midnight the Harbor Board's hemp stores at Waterloo Quay were found to be alight. Some delay occurred in giviiiii the alarm and, as tho building contained 1500 hales of flux and 750 bales of tow, in a few moments it was a mass of ilames. Then the water pressure was found to be low and. not till tho Harbor Hoard's big engine got to work was an impicssion made on the tire. The shed, winch is of iron and wood, soon collapsed, and the heat set lire to the barque Jlippohis, timber laden. She and the two harbor launches were cut adrift with some ('illiciiifv, but the barque's sails and spars sulTcied' and. the men had to climb aloft and neat out the flames. A large brick woolshcd to the south had its windows destroyed and some damage was done by water." The hemp shed and its contents were practically destroyed, and salvage will be small. Inside was a large quantity of hydraulic, machinery, including twelve jiggers, two wooi presses and an accumulator. The shed faces Waterloo Quay, and the rear abuts on Hie breastwork at the foot of the railway wharf, which was also damaged. This morning tho tlax is still blazing, and scores of men are at work drenching and removing if. The shed was 27 years old. The damage was very heavy. The shed destroyed was the oldest belonging to the Harbor Board. The watchman had passed it at 17 minutes to 12 and detected no smell, but tho firo must have smouldered for somo time. Tho Hippolas had a narrow escape, as her sails were well alight, and one of them was completely burned away from the yard, which was badly charred. Tho lire was seen by several persons at once, but no alarm liox could be found, and the man had to run a considerable distance t<v liamblou Quay to call out the brigade. The whole shed, large as it was, was on the ground in a little over an hour, leaving great pile:; of blazing bales standing in the open where the water could bo got at. them with etfect. The Standard Com pany insures the Board's property, but tliecontents of the building were stored at the owner's risk.

The wharf fronting Waterloo Quay was tiiis morning Jittered with debris. The damaged hemp is being carted on .to the reclaimed land, and a portion of the consignments will bo available, for re-grading. The produce in 'lie sheds is destroyed and damaged. It is approximately valued, at £BOOO. The Harbor Hoard's building (and contents belonging to the Harbor Hoard) was insured in the Standard Ollice for £5315. Consignees of (lax and tow are understood to be also insured, but nothing regarding the actual consignments and values is available. About £40,000 worth of wool was stored in the "II" shed, adjoining the shed destroyed, but only 40 bales of wool were damaged by water in that building. Work on the wharves is proceeding as usual, the necessary accommodation being available.