DISASTROUS FIRE AT GORE

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLII, Issue 11474, 1 March 1918, Page 8

DISASTROUS FIRE AT GORE

CEREAL MILLS DESTROVEO.

fPer Press Assoeiatioa.} - Gore, March 1. A most disastrous fire occurred at seven o’clock to-day. Fleming Co. ’s extensive cereal mills were almost completely gutted and Jtbe damage will run well into five figures. The fire was first noticed in the oatmeal department and spread with astonishing rapidity through cresmoata works, storage department and oatmeal department, and spread to the third floor. In 25 minutes the flames were through the roof on the fourth floor. Falling beams, and machinery rapidly carried the flames to the basement. The south end of the building was pratically saved, including offices. The two floors above were mostly used for storage and flour-making. The firm was carrying very heavy stocks of raw material. The fire occurred at the worst time of the year, the season’s contract just having been completed. The brigades did splendid work, but were hampered in coping with the outbreak owing to the somewhat poor pressure. The insurances are unavailabie The fire was still burning at 9.30, but was well in hand. Thirty-five hands have been thrown out o*f work.