FIRE AT WANGANUI.

Colonist, Volume LII, Issue 12874, 18 August 1910, Page 4

FIRE AT WANGANUI.

BISCUIT FACTORY DE-

STROYED.

• [United. Pbess Association.] Wanganui, August 17. A' disastrous fire occurred in tlie Southern Cross Biscuit Company's premises this morning, whereby the whole factory and contents were completely destroyed, including buildings, composing, bread, biscuit, afTd confectionery departments. The fire started in the roar of the factory near the bread department, arid aided, by a strong wind, soon enveloped the whole buildings. There was a poor pressure in the water mains, owing tO these, 'being ' 'dead ends, ' and only the arrival of the fire engine saved: the flour mill adjoining. Fears were entertained of the fife spreading to the tramway power-house and sheds adjoining, and the cars were run. out to the open, but the only darhage was that the cable was slightly scorched, and the . switchboard soaked with water. . •

" The insurances total £7775, including £2000 on the mill, which was uninjured. The following offices are affected :—South British, Sun, Commercial Union, Ocean, Yorkshire, Australian. Alliance, arid Victoria. About 60 hands have been thrown out of employment.