FIRES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2679, 8 December 1909, Page 4

FIRES.

A FLAXMILL DESTROYED. fPr.n Press Association.! CHRISTCHURCH. Dee. 7. A well-equipped fiaxmill, tlie property of Mr. Charles Leech, at Rangiora, was burned down this morning. The fire was discovered about 9 o’clock, at the back cf the shed. The men being at work in front of the building, did not observe the outbreak for some time, and the flames obtained a strong held. Although there was a strong water supply and efficient- fire appliances, it was found‘impossible to check the progress of the fire. The stripping and scutching sheds were gutted, and the engine damaged. In addition to this, half-a-ton of prepared fibre and 10 tons of tew were consumed. The total damage is estimated at about £IOOO. and. unfortunately for the owner, the property was not covered by any insurances. About 1-5 men have been thrown out of work. Mr. Leech intends to re-erect the mill as soon as possible. A COUNTRY RESIDENCE DESTROYED. On Sunday night the residence of Messrs TYestenra Bros., at Dunsandel, was burned down. The building was insured in the Liverpool and L-ondon and Globe office for £4OO. and the contents for £IOO, while the London and Lancashire office also had £250 on the building. FIRE AT GREY MOUTH. GREYMOUTH, Dec. S. A fire occurred at 3 this morning in a factory recently erected for the Fresh Food and Ice Company, which was completely gutted, damaging most of the machinery to a certain extent, sufficient to stop churning for several •weeks No cause is assigned, the fire having originated in tlie store room. The manager and two hands worked in the dairy till 9.30 p.m. yesterday, finishing up churning, after which they washed their factory clothes. Arrangements have been made to send cream to a neighboring factory till repairs are effected. The building was to bo renewed at the close of the season. The insurance is £I6OO, in the Atlas office, on the building and plant.