FIRE AT THE STATE COAL MINE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2426, 15 February 1909, Page 5

FIRE AT THE STATE COAL MINE.

WORKSHOPS DESTROYED. [Press Association.") GREYMOUTH. Feb. 13. Shortly after noon to-dav, which is. the usual holiday at the State mine, it was discovered that a large fire was engulfing the three shops, which stand apart from any other portion of the mine buildings, and which are used by the blacksmiths, the carpenters, and the fitters. The buildings ‘ were situated to the north of the endless rope tramway, the nearest building to them being the weighing office and weighbridge, the bins and • shoots being a good way off them, and practically out of reach of the fire. None of the hands engaged iu either , of the shops were there to-day, many being away at Hokitika with the school picnic. The State mine officials about noon noticed flames coming from the roof of the blacksmith's A shop at the mine. The whistles were • immediately sounded, and tlie alarm immediately brought a few residents A (the majority being absent at Hokitika at the school picnic), who did ev- 1 erything possible to save tlie shops,. but without avail, as everything was-, destroyed. The machinery is rendered practically useless. Had not the wind been in the direction it wa> the fire would have been even more sen-' ous. The cause of the fire is uiiknown. It is not anticipated that, it :, will cause cessation of work in the mine on Monday, the only men hffect- A ed being the mechanical staff. .... A