FIRE IN THE TELEPHONE EXCHANGE.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12245, 19 June 1909, Page 4

FIRE IN THE TELEPHONE EXCHANGE.

A rather extraordinary case of fire occurred in the Telephone Exchange yesterday morning. Some linesmen \vero> working, in the Avenue and accidentally let a aubscriber's wire coxae in •contactwith the tramway trolley wire. Tlivery shutter m the distributing board m tho office immediately went up and the insulating around the cables in th«* roiling caught fire. The Po6t Office stan soon brought their own boss into play and quickly had the fire under control. The local brigade wore soon on the spot and by 10.3Q the fire was completely extinguished. Considerable tiainago was done in the Exchange, although no more water than was necessary was used. The main damage was confined to the roof. Here, out of nine cables only two escaped, the wires- in the others being left bare.' The .wires .to Hawera and Marton wero not- damaged, and these of tho Main Trunk wero restored before 12 o'clock. Tho power board and the distributing board were fortunately protected from,water. On the distributing board there am about 40,CKX) soldered joints, and if this, had been damaged it would have beena calamity. Although hampered by tho water, tho repairing was at once commence:!, and the staff are likely to bo working night and day for some time. Business connections are being attended to first.' ' ■'■'■'. ■..'■■''. ■"'■■•;" v:., -. ■.::'.'.