Big Apia Fire.

B.P. Copra Store Destroyed.

From Our Own Correspondent.

Apia, Dec, 16.

SWEPT by the worst fire witnessed in Apia for 20 years, the large copra store of Burns Philp (S.S.) Co., Ltd., at the intersection of Beach Road and Savalolo Road, was completely destroyed in the early hours of November 30. The building contained over 1,000 tons of bag

ged copra and plant, etc., and was valued at £20,000.

Immediately after the discovery of the outbreak, the police arrived with the only primitive fire-fighting equipment avail able, and volunteers and a detachment of prisoners from Vaimea gaol assisted them.

It was soon realised that it was impos sible to save the store, and efforts were concentrated on preserving the nearby buildings. The Marist convent and girls’ school at the back, the Planters’ Trading Co. building, and Mr. J. Langton’s small store nearby were kept under a constant stream of water.

The fire, controlled by shifts of labour gangs, smouldered until December 8, when

a start was made to clear away the deb ris, in preparation for the immediate erection of a new and larger copra and cocoa shed of steel construction. A start with this new store will be made in Janu ary.

Half of the copra stored in the shed was to have been shipped by the “Anti gone”, which arrived the morning follow ing the outbreak. It is reported that the shed and copra were insured for £14,000.

The disastrous fire has made apparent to Apia residents the need for proper fire-fighting apparatus. It is felt that a trained volunteer brigade should be or ganised, similar to that which existed under German rule. All people, however, have praise for the work done by the police, under Inspector Braisby.

The smoking debris of the fire, early on the morning of the 31st. —Tattersall, photo.