FIRE IN TE ARAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2497, 10 May 1909, Page 5

FIRE IN TE ARAL.

KIA ORA CO.'S CREAMERY DESTROYED.

An outbreak of fire occurred at Te Arai shortly before 6 a.in. on Saturday, by means of which the Ivia Ora Dairy Company’s creamery was totally destroyed. Smoke was observed to be issuing from the building b.v Messrs Haskins and Metcalfe, who live in the vicinity, and to them the volume of it appeared to he greater than would be coming from the engine. They proceeded to investigate, and found the windows shut and the doors locked. Mr. Haskins broke the window in an endeavor to locate the fire, and just as he did so there was a tremendous explosion, and the whole of the interior of the building was enveloped in flames.* It was afterwards ascertained that there had been tins of benzine and kerosene in the engine-room, and these doubtless when, the fire reached them caused the explosion jiiul the subsequent increase of .the , flames. The five appears to have started in the engine-room, somewhere between the engine and the boiler, but the origin of it is shrouded in mystery, as when the occupants left on the previous day everything appeared perfectly safe. It is understood that the insurance on the building and plant was £350 in the Victorian Office, but the, total loss will greatly exceed this amount. Arrangements are being made for the business of the creamery to be carrried on in temporary premises, pending rebuilding operations.