FIRES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2043, 21 November 1907, Page 3

FIRES.

INQUIRY INTO KAIAPOI FACTOBY CASE. Press Association.

CHRISTCHURCII, Nov. 20. The Christchurch Fire Board held au enquiry last night concerning the fire at "the Kaiapoi Company’s warehouse on AA'edinesday morniaig last. The evidence showed that blue t,wo city brigades turned out very promptly after the alarms were given,‘and a motion to that effect was carried. Several of the witnesses stated that if an automatic fire alarm system had been installed throughout tire warehouse the alarm would have been received quite three hours earlier, and it would 4lren bavo been possible to Quave cheeked tho outbreak, and have prevented tho einti.ro destruction of tlhe building and contents. Several suggestions made as to the outcome of the fire were referred to the plant and staff committee.

Judging from the nature of cable messages received by the manager of the Kaiapoi AVbollen Company, it would seem that an entirely false impression exists abroad as to the extent of the fire which destroyed cue o-f the Kaiapoi Company’s buildings. Tlio fire,, as is weMdcnown locally, occurred iiv the warehouse, where the offices were also located, and the mills and clothing factory and .the bulk stores being in different localities were not affected in the least. The stability and prospects of the comxiany are in no wise affected, and- the business will be carried on as usual, temporary premises liaring been, procured for the wa,rehouse- and offices. No hands have been thrown' out of employment, and since till® fire full wages have been paid to all that worked in the warehouse that was destroyed.

CHRISTCHURCH, Nov. 19

A coach-builder’s factory, owned by James Brown and situated in St. Asaph street east, was totally destroyed by firo to-night. The stock, which was valued at £IOOO, was -insured with the Royal Insurance Company. .