WOOL STORE DESTROYED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25428, 8 January 1944, Page 6

WOOL STORE DESTROYED

FIRE AT FREEZING WORKS VALUABLE PLANT LOST (P.A.) NEW PLYMOUTH, Jan. 7. Fire which broke out in the wool cleaning and drying store at the works of Messrs Thos. Borthwick and Sons at Waitara at 5 o’clock this morning completely demolished the main twostorey building of that section of the works and gutted two other singlestorey bays adjoining. No estimate of the value of the buildings, plant and stock affected could be given to-day, nor of the insurances covering the damage, but a survey of the destruction suggests that it will run to several thousands of pounds. The buildings themselves represent a considerable amount, but the contents, including expensive plant and stocks, are by far the greatest loss. Killing proceeded as usual to-day and every effort is to be made to maintain production and keep faith with the farmers. The fire is not expected to affect the work to any extent in the next few days. Until a temporary cover is provided for the plant, which is to be reconditioned, an endeavour is being made to dry the wool in the open. The buildings affected involve the works in a temporary loss of approximately 24,000 square feet of floor space. Included in the stocks burnt were about 1200 bags of lime, 1000 wool packs, 119 drums of sodium, 64 bales of wool, and about 30,0001 b of loose wool, 13,044 lamb and 1209 sheep pelts, 6437 green pelts and 2524 skins. Among the plant damaged by the fire were two wool dryers, one of which was a recent installation.

When the fire was discovered by the night watchman he heard a sharp crackling sound and then almost instantaneously the whole place burst into flames, which quickly spread to the adjoining bays. A call was made on the New Plymouth Brigade. No explanation of the cause of the fire could be given to-day.