FIRE ON PORT NAPIER

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 443, 27 August 1928, Page 9

FIRE ON PORT NAPIER

SHIP AT PAGO PAGO BLAZE SUBDUED IN PORT (United P.A.—By Telegraph — Copyright) (Australian and N.Z. Press Association.) (United Service) Reed. 10.33 a.m. SUVA, To-day. The liner Port Napier, from London for Auckland, arrived at Pago Pago, American Samoa, on Friday evening. A fire had raged for six hours in close proximity to her cargo of oils, paints and cement. The radio station was in constant communication with the steamer during the afternooix. and several American vessels were ready to aid in extinguishing the blaze when she anchored. A message from Apia says some members of the crew of the American Navy’s auxiliary tug. Ontario, were hurriedly recalled from Apia, where they Intended to play golf. They were needed at Pago Pago to assist in connection with the fire on the Port Napier. - The fire in No. 4 hoW and the shelter deck was subdued after 12 hours. The damaged cargo is being discharged at Pago Pago. Cargo for Fiji to the value of £250,000 is aboard the ship, which probably will leave Pago Pago on Tuesday. She is due at Suva on Friday. The Port Napier is a Commonwealth and Dominion Line steamer of 8,491 tons gross, and was built at Belfast in 1912. Her former name was Hawke's Bay. This is her 30th voyage to Australia or New Zealand under the C. and D. flag. She sailed from London on July 21 with a large cargo of general merchandise for discharge at Suva, Auckland, Dunedin and Bluff. Her arrival at Auckland was scheduled for September 5. In addition to cargo she has on board the following passengers:—For Auckland: Mr. G. F. Gunson; for Wellington: Miss D. Sedgewick and Miss Aller; for Sydney: Mrs. and Master Jones, Miss V. M. Harrison, Miss D. L> Harrison, Miss A. V. Harrison, Miss A. M. Harrison, Mr. A. B. Williamson, Mr. Williamson, Mr. R. Hilliard and Mrs. E. F. Hilliard. Captain S. E. A. Gregory is in command of the vessel and Dr. A. C. Will is the medical officer on board.