FIRES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14701, 8 December 1909, Page 5

FIRES.

-4» (Pin United Press Association.) GREYMOUTH, December 7. A fire occurred at 3 o'clock this morning in a factory recently erected for the Fresh .Food and Ico Company. The building was completely gutted, and most) of the machinery was damaged to an extent sufficient to stop churning for several weeks. No cause is assigned, film fire having originated in the store room. The manager and two hands worked in the dairy till 9.30 p.m. yesterday, finishing up churning, after which they washed their factory cloths. Arrangements have been made to send cream to the neighbouring factory till repairs are effected. The building is to be renewed at the close of the season. Tho building and plant were insured for £1600 in the Atlas oflicc. CHRISTCHURCH, December 7. The well-equipped flaxmill property of Mr Charles Leech, Rangiora. was burned down this morning. The fire' was discovered about 9 o'clock at the back of a shed, The men were at work in the front of the building, and did not observe the outbreak i'or some time, and the flames obtained a strong hold. Althongh there was a good water supply and efficient! tiro appliances it was found impossible to check the progress of the fire. The stripping and scutching sheds were gutted, and the engines wcro damaged. In addition to this, half a ton oi prepared fibre and 10 tons of tow wero consumed. The totul damage is estimated at about £1000, and, unfortunately for the owner, the property was not covered by any insurance. About 15 men have been thrown out.l of work. Mr Leech intends to re-erect the mill as soon as possible.

On Sunday night the residence of Messrs Westenra Brothers, at Dunsandel, was burned down. The building was insured in tho London, Liverpool and Globe office for £400 and the contents for £100, while the London and Lancashire office also had £250 on tihe building.