DISASTROUS FIRE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 20077, 6 April 1935, Page 8

DISASTROUS FIRE

FURNITURE FACTORY DESTROYED BLAZE IN AUCKLAND By Telegraph—Press Association AUCKLAND, April 5. Many thousands of pounds worth of damage were caused to-night when fire completely destroyed the factory of J. S. Bell, Ltd., wholesale cabinetmakers and upholsterers, at Ponsonby Road. Adjoining premises also suffered damage. At one stage the fire appeared likely to sweep through a whole block, but after threequarters of an hours strenuous work, the brigadesmen succeeded in confining the flames chiefly to the factory. The premises of Bell, Ltd., were covered by insurance, but neither the amount nor an accurate estimate of the damage could be given by the proprietors. They considered, however, that they would be heavy losers, as the destroyed factory contained a large quantity of furniture almost ready for delivery, in addition to valuable plant and stocks of timber. The origin of the fire is unknown. When first noticed, the flames already had a strong hold, although members of the firm who were in the office in the front of the building were unaware that anything was amiss. Fanned by a boisterous wind, the flames from the burning factory rose high above the front part of the building, and threatened adjoining premises. The smoke was swept down into the city, and showers of sparks and embers poured into Ponsonby Road. The reflection of the flames could be seen for miles, and the dense crowd that gathered was kept out of danger by constables and members of the fire police. Brigadesmen's Good Work In spite of the strong hold gained by the flames on the dry timber, and the manner in which they were leaping from the building, the brigadesmen soon isolated the seat of the Are. Special fire resisting doors and a brick dividing wall at the rear of the offices and show-rooms saved the front portion of the premises, although some damage was caused to the roof. Salvage sheets were spread over the stock in the show rooms to prevent damage by water seeping from the upper floor. It was impossible to prevent smoke filling the whole building, and also finding its way into adjoining shops. An inspection of the factory immediately after the flames had been subdued sufficiently to make it possible to enter showed that the roof had collapsed, burying under it blackened remains of machinery. Heaps of embers were all that remained of furniture of all descriptions and a large quantity of timber.