Fire in Nelson.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 23, Issue 8, 30 January 1912, Page 7

Fire in Nelson.

at GRIFFITH’S BISCUIT FACTORY Nelson, Jan. 28. Shortly before one o’clock on Saturday afternoon a fire broke out at Messrs Griffin and Sons’, biscuit fac« tory in Nile Street east. When first observed, smoke was issuing from the roof at the northern end of the main building, and the fire was located in the boiling and panning department, on the ground floor, where it had , gained a strong hold in the timbering *of the roof. Work had ceased for the day, and few of the employees were about the premises at the time. Those who were available, however, promptly set to work with the fire extinction apparatus with which the factory is equipped, pending the arrival of the Fite Brigade. Within a very 'few minutes of the alarm being given the Brigade reached the scone, and quickly bad two heads of hose in operation, teaching the seat of the fire from the Alton Street entrance to the building. Shortly afterwards a third line of hose was run out to the rear of the premises from Nile Street. All danger of the flames spreading to other portions of the factory was soon at an end. Fortunately the south-west wind blowing at the time had the effect of clearing the building of smoke, at the same time militating against the spread of the flarcns. Under other circumstances the progress of the fire would have been much more rapid, and the firemen would have Worked under great difficulties owing to the presence of smoke. Thanks to the promptness and in telligent work of the Brigade, the damage is comparatively Slight. The fire seems to have originated in the vicinity of the boilers, and been con* ducted by the studs and rafters to the boiling and panning room adjoining, where its progress was stayed. The woodwork in this department is ail more or less charred, but the machinery seems to have escaped serious injury, except the belting and pulleys, which were beyond repair. The stock is stored upstairs, and does not appear to have been injured by smoke or water. Mr Griffin, the secretary of the Company, believes that the business will not be Seriously interfered with, as it will be possible to have work in full swing pgain in a day or two, .The total insurance on the buildings, plant and stock, is £14,750, distributed among the following Offices: Guardian, £8,000; Norwich Union. £1000; Liverpool and London and Globe £6850; New Zealand, £1000; United, £500: South British £800; North Queens—ad, £IOOO,