FIRE AT CABLE STATION.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12253, 2 June 1914, Page 2

FIRE AT CABLE STATION.

(Per Press Association.) Nelson, June -1. The cable station at Wakapinka was burned to the ground at o'clock this morning. The lire, when discovered, had a gone! hold, and when it was seen that it was impossible to save the office acienciou-V/as turned to the "bungalow." one of the two buildings used by {he staff as quarters. This building was only 9 or 10ft fiijm the office, and soon caught, and was also totally destroyed.

The staff, by splendid work and with meagre appliances, managed to save one building used as quitters. The paint on the building was badly .scorched and blistered and there was an anxious time until its safety was assure d.

'The loss is very heavy, as only part of one cable instrument (there wore three) was saved. Another big item was the destruction of sonic hundreds of miles of artilieial line. It is hoped to restore communication with Sydney and Wellington or Nelson to-day, as there is a spare set of instruments kept in a place on the beach.

The came of the-outbreak is a complete mystery. The stall' did great work. Th-a quarters buliding destroyed was-occupied by six of the stair, the others occupying the large building. Nelson, June ]. The cable buildings destroyed were the property of the Government. The company's instruments, valued at between C2OOO and CMIKH!. were, wetf iusum I.

Communication with Sydney from Lin l shore ofiice has been praetiea'fy established. The Telegraph Depart'icnt is arranging communieat ion be,t u oC t Xelson and Wellington.