Petrol expolosion in Napier

A DISASTROUS fire, involving the loss of about 21,000 cases of benzine, the property of the Hawke’s Bay Trading Company, and £6000 worth of wool and woolscouring apparatus, occurred at McDonald’s wool wash, on the River Bend road, at an early hour yesterday morning. When discovered the fire had a good hold, and it was impossible to save anything. The efforts of neighbours saved a house in the vicinity, which, had not the wind been in the right direction, would certainly have been burnt. Scouring operations have not been in progress

for some months past, and the absence of fires of any description makes the origin of this outbreak a mystery. There were several bales of wool on the premises, and these were uninsured. The amount of the insurance on the benzine was unascertainable, but it is understood to be in the vicinity of £30,000. The plant was insured for £3000. The conflagration presented a great sight, and the fire is still burning fiercely.

grounds were in spick and span condition, evidencing the care bestowed upon them by the gardeners, and bunting displayed at many vantage points added greatly to the gaiety of the scene. Numerous stalls were laid out in shady nooks, and were literally laden with goods. There was no lack of amusement either, the sideshows being both varied and numerous.