Destructive hire at Timaru

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXIII, Issue 12622, 19 November 1908, Page 6

Destructive hire at Timaru

Johnson & Co.'s Sawmill Burned

(Per Uuitsd Freflf> Association)

TIMARU, November 19.

J. Jackson and Co.'s timber sawmill, the largest in Timaru, wa» almost completely destroyed by fire this morning. Several ]K>oplc passed the mill, which is on the main street, between 5 and 5.30, but noticed no signs of fire, but about 5.30 a railway man on his way to work noticed smoke induing from the central portion of tho building, which was two-storeyed, mainly brick and iron, with a considerable area of wo.Mien walls and flooring, while wilhin was a heavy si oik of timber in various stages of manufacture.

In a few mimites after the alarm was given, tremendous volumes of smoke and tl nines burnt out from every part of the mill, and within a quarter oi an hour, the entire structure was a seething furnace. By (i o'clock the roof "and upper walta had fallen in, and *>o fierce had the fire been that very little remained. Up to this point almost a dead calm had prevailed, and when a strong southerly breeze .sprang up the fire was so far expended that there was no difficulty in preventing its spread beyond the mill.

Tho stacks of timber all round the main building are unharmed, and the stock and machinery of the wheelwright bending department were very little damaged. The greatest precautions had always been exercised in the prevention of fire. It seems most probable that the outbreak originated in the engine room.

The business was purchased by the present owners a quarter of a century ago, and extended during that period into one of the most flourishing in the district. The extent of the destruction is estimated at i>6ooo. There is an insurance in the Commercial Union of ,£2OOO. The destruction of the central factory means the disorganisation of the whole business, but preparations have been commenced ior an immediate resumption of work.