SAWMILL FIRE

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 22661, 14 July 1945, Page 4

SAWMILL FIRE

VALUABLE PLANT LOST OUTBREAK AT MANGAPEHI Fire completely gutted a large ! sawmill at Mangapehi, 60 miles south j. of Hamilton, at a late hour last night, and thousands of pounds worth of valuable and scarce plant was destroyed. The plant and mill belong to Messrs Ellis and Bumand, Ltd., Hamilton. The outbreak was discovered at about 11.15 p.m. and a volunteer fire brigade, formed principally of the mill workers, fought the flames, which had spread from the planing mills into the main building. The efforts of the brigade saved what is known as the “little mill” and one planing plant in a detached building. Soon after midnight the brigade had mastery of the flames, and the outbreak was gradually brought under control. Essential Production The loss of the mill and plant is very serious, as important orders, mostly for the war effort, were being filled. Messages received in Hamilton indicate that practically the whole of the machinery has been badly damaged, and this will be hard to replace. The mill has been operating for over 30 years, and has prepared many millions of board feet, of timber for building purposes all over the Auckland province, and even overseas.

When the fire was discovered, soon after 11.15, the mill whistles were sounded, and the volunteer fire brigade was quickly on the scene. Mr A. E. McCracken, the company’s superintendent, and other officials of the company, left Hamilton at an early hour this morning for Mangapehi, to survey the damage and arrange for emergency plant to be brought into use as 'quickly as possible. No details are available as to the insurances on buildings or plant. The sawmill was one of the largest in New Zealand, and was wellequipped with plant for handling all classes of timber. The damage is estimated to be at least £15,000. The task of the fire brigade was made harder because of a gusty wind prevailing. Mangapehi has had an unfortunate experience in regard to fires, as only a few months ago the public hall was destroyed. MOTOR-CAR DESTROYED FIRE AT CLAUDELANDS Complete destruction of a five seater sedan car and partial destruction of a cowshed and milking equipment occurred when a fire broke out on the property of Mr A. L. Cooper, Bankwood Road, Claudelands, at about 5.30 p.m. on Thursday. The cause of the fire i 3 unknown, but neighbours assisted in preventing its spread, though they were unable to remove the car to safety. An insurance policy is held with the New Zealand Insurance Company, but Mr Cooper estimates his loss at considerably above the amount.