FIRE AT WAKAPUAKA.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 13395, 1 June 1914, Page 3

FIRE AT WAKAPUAKA.

CABLEI STATION DESTROYED

(Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. The cable station at Wakapuaka was burned down this morning. There are no details to hand. The cable buildings were not insured. The loss falls entirely on the Government. NELSON, this afternoon. The cable station at Wakapuaka was burned to ; the ground at three o'clock this morning. The fire, when discovered, had a good hold. It was seen to be impossible save the office. Attention was then, turned to the "bungalow," one of the buildings used by the staff as quarters. This was only nine or' ten feet from the office, and soon caught, and was also totally destroyed. The staff, by splendid work with the meagre appliances, managed to save the other buildings used as quarters. The paint on 1 both these buildings was badly scorched and blistered. There was an anxious time until safety was assured. The loss is very heavy. Only a part of one cable instrument (tJiere were three) was saved. Another big item was the destruction of some hundreds of miles of artificial line. It is hoped to restore communication -with Sydney and Wellington or Nelson to-day, as there is a spare' set of instruments kept m the place on the beach.

The. cause of the outbreak is a complete mystery. The staff did great work. The "cjuarters" building destroyed was occupied by fix of the staff, others occupying the large building. Later.-r-The cable building, destroyed was the , property of the Government. The company's instruments are valued at between £2000 and £3000. They are well insured. '

Communication with Sydney from the shore office is practically s established. The Telegraph Department is arranging for communication with Nelson and Wellington.