Destruction of a Sawmill by Fire.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume XIX, Issue 1890, 29 September 1886, Page 2

Destruction of a Sawmill by Fire.

Just before daylight oa Sunday morning last, says our Carterton contemporary, Mr Corpe, the proprietor of the Riverside Saw Mills at Hurunniorangi, was awakened by the glare of a fire on his bedroom window. His residence is situated about three chains to the rear'of the mill. On rosbing oat of the front be discovered the top of the large shed to be in flames, and the upper portion which contained the stores, hay, scantling and mill requisites to have fallen in. As it appeared impossible to save any portion of the mill, attention was directed to saving the sawn timber around the mill, but with the scanty help afforded, the few people who bad collected had a hard struggle to effect this, but with almost superhuman strength they worked on, and were at last rewarded with success. Fortunately the wind was blowing from the men’s whares and outbuildings, and thus no danger was experienced in that quarter. The origin of the fire is as yet clouded in mystery. Mr T Bean, the engine driver, is a very careful man, and alway made a thorough inspection of the premises on Saturdays. Mr Corpe states that on Saturday night he went right through the mill, about nine o’clock with a lantern, and there was nothing unnsnal in the appearance of things. The buildings are only insured for £2OO in the National Insurance Company. Mr Corpe has) been unfortunate since starting business at Ham* nuiorangi. Two years ago he was a heavy loser by floods, and now his loss is doubled by fire.