FIRES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14700, 7 December 1909, Page 8

FIRES.

ROPEWORICS DESTROYED. (Per "United Pbess Association.) PALMERSTON N-., December 6. Ross and Co.'s ropeworks at Foxton were totally destroyed by fire on Saturday. The works closed down at the usual time, but an hour and a-half later passer-by noticed flames . coming through one of the windows at the opposite end of the building from • tho machinery. In a few minutes the building was completely enveloped in flames, and a little later the roof collapsed. Within half an hour of the outbreak tho whole. building was totally destroyed, together with the machinery, valued at £1800, which was used in the manufacture of all classes of rope and twine. The value of the proporty saved does not exceed £500. Tho fire will throw 70 hands out of work for a long period, owing to the fact that it is necessary to import new machinery from England. Fortunately the direction of the wind and the work of a bucket brigade resulted in the offices and a row of workmen's cottages being saved The insurances total £7000. The machinery was valued at- £18,000, instead of £1800, as previously telegraphed. NELSON, December 6. A dwelling and workshop at Takaka, owned by Mrs S. J. Eeilly and occupied by Mr J. Mirandez, were destroyed by fire yesterday. The buildings were insured for £250, and Mr Mirandez's effects for £100. INVERCARGILL, December 6. The newly-erected' teacher's residence at. Myross Bush was destroyed by fire on Saturday. A social had been" held in tho schoolhouse on Friday evening, and it is stippposed that a fire used to boil the tea had been left burning. The building belongs to the Education Board, and was not insured. The previous residence was destroyed by firo two years ago.