BIG FIRE IN CHRISTCHURCH

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19474, 26 April 1933, Page 8

BIG FIRE IN CHRISTCHURCH

TIMBER MILL DESTROYED. MANY BUILDINGS DAMAGED. By TelecraDh- Association CHRISTCHURCH, April 25. One of the largest timber and joinery works in Christchurch —Hardie and Thomson's mill at the extreme northern end of Colombo Street—was completely destroyed by fire early this morning. The damage to mill and to the houses adjoining it on three sides is estimated at £20.000.

Strong forces from the Christchurch and St. Albans Fire Brigades had the utmost difficulty in keeping the fire within an airea of about one acre which is occupied by the works, and had the wind been keener or from a quarter other than south-west, it is practically certain that the whole block would have been swept away.

All the mac&Knery of the mill was destroyed beyond repair, as well as the greater part of IjOOO.OOO superficial feet of matured timber that was stacked around it.

Mr Frank Salter, tenant of a house backing on to the mill from Colombo Street, was burned about the face and hands, and had to he treated at Christchurch Hospital. Hik four children also had a narrow escape when the flames burst into the sleeping porch and bedroom of his house.

Three other houses lacing on Sherborne Street had to be evacuated at about 3 a.m.. but they were fortunately saved from major damage through the concentrated efforts of title firemen. The origin of the fire .has not been determined and Mr William Thomson, managing director of the firm, states emphatically that it cou3ri not have been accidental. "You can. put it how you like, but I suspect someone," he said to a reporter. The police are making investigations. Mr Thomson also criticised the Christchurch Fire Brigade foe its delay in reaching the fire, but Deputy-Super-intendent C. J. Blake, wh'> was in charge of the Brigade, declttred that the first lead of ho6e was being directed on to the flames from Sherborne Street not more than six minutes alter the automatic fire alarm registered at Christchurch Station. Mr Thomson estimates the toss on all properties at £20.000. of which he says only about onc-third is covered by insurances. Insurances on the timber mill were recently reduced.

The mill plant was considered to be one of the most complete and up-to-date in New Zealand. Forty electric motors were lost in the fire. A stock v>f 2090 doors was also destroyed. Th 3 timber stocks contained a great deal c»' valuable matured timber including figured rimu and Southland beech. There was also a fairly large st2ck of glass and other builders' materials. Two motor trucks and a cart belonging to the firm were lost. The Brigade was still at work late this evening, and watches are to be maintained all night.