B.P. Rabaul Store
p. 11 · Read in the full issue
Retail Section Totally Burned
*THE large general store and offices of * Messrs Burns, Philp and Co. Ltd., Rabaul, New Guinea, were totally des troyed by fire about midnight on October 13. The concrete strong-room, containing records, etc., survived. The total damage is estimated at over £40,000.
Screaming of ships’ sirens, an explos ion, and a red glare on the low rain clouds caused a minor panic, especially among natives. It was thought that the volcanoes had erupted again; but when the real cause was known, the whole population gathered to watch the huge blaze.
There was no wind, so that nearby buildings (Messrs. Carpenter & Co. Ltd., Treasury, Post Office, etc.) were not in danger.
The firm’s wholesale and bulk stores were not affected. Nevertheless, the com pany’s operations were seriously dis located for a few days.
Messrs. Burns, Philp and Co. are carry ing on in the meantime by using the bulk stores (which formerly comprised the retail store) and by erecting tem porary accommodation to give additional room.
The sight of this envelope is cal culated to make philatelists foam at the mouth.
It was posted from Canton Is. (Phoenix group) on June 8 when American and N.Z. parties ob served a solar eclipse.