BENZINE EXPLOSION.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 881, 4 May 1903, Page 3

BENZINE EXPLOSION.

BURNING OF CAPTAIN TUCKER’S CHARTERED STEAMER.

Per Press Association,,

Bluff, last night,

Tho auxiliary schooner Brothers, Captain Clarkson, was moored to the wharf on Friday morning. She arrived from Wellington. About 9.40 Friday night a severe oxplosion of benzine, which was used for tho engine, occurred in tho engineroom or its vicinity, and immediately afterwards the after part of tho vessel burst into flames. At the time of the explosion tho ongineor and cook were üboard tho vossol, but fortunately neither was injured. To avoid tho risk of the wharf catching fire tho vessol was hauled ashore, whero tho Fire Brigade did all thoy could to quonch the flames, which quickly had possession of tho vessol foro und aft, but without avail. A further explosion of the ship’s maguzino added fuel to tho flames. The fire burnt tho schooner to tho wutor's edge, nothiug practically remaining but tho keelson. Tho Brothers was owned by Messrs Casolborg, Wellington, aud was under charter to Captain Tuckor, of Gisborne, to tako Btores to Campboll Island, bringing wool on the return trip. Captain Tuckor had intended to go to the island with tho vessol, which was to sail on Monday. Ho has lost all his personal effects. Tbo captain and cruw are in a similar predicament. Tho Brothers was a schooner of 54 tons, well built, equipped and in first-rate ordor.

Wellington, last night.

Tho schoonor Brothers, burnt at the Bluff, was insured hero for £IOOO in the Now Zealand office.