DESTRUCTION OF THE RUKUHIA CHEESE FACTORY.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2150, 20 April 1886, Page 2

DESTRUCTION OF THE RUKUHIA CHEESE FACTORY.

As wm briefly announced in our last issue, the Ruknhia Choose and Bacon Factory, together with tlie manager's house adjoining, was totally destroyed by fire at an early hour on Saturday morning. Nothing really is known a« to tire origin of the firo. The manager and his assistant, a lad named Dalton, were sound asleep, and the former was awakened by hearing the crackling of the flames. He at once jumped out of bed, and roused the boy, but they were not able to do anything beyond saving a ' few cheeses, and in removing these they lost all their personal belonging*. When first observed the flame* appeared to be coming out of the top of the factory building, which was formerly the grand stand of the Waikato Turf Club. The roof was at one time composed of felt, laid on board*, but the felt was replaced by iron. It is thought, however, that some portions might have been left about the eaves, and that a ipark from the engine house ignited them. The wind was blowing from the engine-house, which waa the last part of the building to go. With the trifling exception referred to, the whole stock *f cheese (about nine ton*), together with the machinery and fixtures, the manager's cottage and contents were completely destroyed. The engine and boiler were only slightly damaged. The buildings and plant were ißsured for £000, in the National Office, but the stock of cheese valued at between £500 and £600 was not, we regret to say, covered by a poltey. The factory will be greatly missed by many settlers in the vicinity, to whom it gave a steady and satisfactory income. It is not known whether it will be re-erected, ai at the present time the assets, including land and insurance policies will only about balance the liabilities', and fresh capital will be required if operations are to be recommenced. Owing to various causes, chief among which we believe was the unsuitable position of the factory, the company was not * •access financially, though the cheese turned out by the manager. Mr Speake, was of the finest quality, and had made a. name for iUelf all orer the provincial district.

Messrs B. Tanks and C: will sell by order of the Registrar of the Supreme Court, at their rooms. Queen-street, Auckland, on Wednesday, April 28th, the farm «f 609 acres near Raglan, in be occupation of Mr Mdftin H»«»nt,