STOCK WASTED

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21181, 31 October 1938, Page 8

STOCK WASTED

Fire in Auckland Factory

Incendiary Attempt Building in State of Chaos By Telegraph—Press Association AUCKLAND, October 30. A determined attempt at incendiarism was frustrated by a prompt warning of fire given by the automatic alarm system installed in the factory of S. J. Best and Co., Ltd., an old established firm of paint manufacturers in Airedale Street in the city early on Saturday evening. The damage’ from fire was relatively slight, but as the result of the taps of several score of paint and varnish vats and turpentine containers being turned on, there has been a wastage 01 stock estimated at fully £lOOO.

The fire warning was transmitted through the automatic system to the Central Fire Station shortly after seven o’clock. Two machines were despatched, and the outbreak was found to be centred in the basement below the street level. Although the flames were fierce, the outbreak was speedily suppressed. Subsequent examination showed the building to be in a state of chaos. In the paint, grindery and mixing room on the first floor, 15 vats containing mixed paint had been allowed to empty over the floor, 400 to 500 gallons being wasted. In the basement, the control valve of a large turpentine tank had also been opened, together with the taps on a score or more of large containers in which varnish was stored, and 500 gallons of varnish were spread about the floor.

The managing-director of the company (Mr R. D. Mossman), said today that it was impossible to obtain an accurate estimate of the damage, but it would amount to at least £lOOO. He was at a loss to understand the motives for such wanton action, and it was the intention of the company to offer a reward for information which would lead to the conviction of the incendiarist.